Obituary of Robert S Noel

Robert Sterling Noel AKA “Cochise” was born on June 7, 1955 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Evelyn (Noel) Slaughter and Charles S. Hutchinson. He was one of five children; preceded in death brother Louis Noel.

The family relocated to New Jersey where he received education through the Camden County school system.  During his attendance at Edgewood High in 1975 he played excellent basketball where scouts were looking at him, but life happened and forced him to enlist in the military serving in United States Marine Corp 1976 to 1980. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Camden Board of Education.

Robert played basketball on a semipro team in Newark, NJ. He returned to Camden in 1979, strolled into a club name “Jokers Wild” where he found his soulmate Veronica and professed his love for her.  They married on February 14, 1983.  He loved his wife until his death December 1, 2018. During their 39 years 9 months together, 35 years married. They had no children of their own but God filled the void through their great niece and goddaughter LaShanda.  The love and relationship they shared was more of a father/daughter one unconditional. As well as the special bond he had with his mother-in-law who he endearingly called “Mom” replaced some of the void from his loss; “Won’t God do it!

Robert was a dedicated and loving uncle. Uncle Rob or Uncle Cody depending on what side of the family, established relationships with each one of his nieces and nephews. He gave of his heart, time and would do anything for anyone.  Even when he received calls from Alpha Baptist Church members calling to see about him, he would pray for them extending words of encouragement to them.

Robert received salvation and baptized in 1996 at St. John Baptist Church, Camden, New Jersey where he served as an usher until his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis 2005.   He was an active member of the Brotherhood Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Family Ministry and Hospital Ministry.  In 2013, he joined Alpha Baptist Church, Willingboro, New Jersey becoming a faithful member until his declining health made it difficult for him to attend on a regular basis.

Robert was concerned about not doing enough for Jesus Christ because of his illness.  Veronica reminded Robert that it is not about attendance but how one lives their life and from the kindness, compassion, encouragement, generosity and love he extends to others speaks volume of who he is and whose he is.  No matter his condition, when asked how he was, his response would be, “Blessed and highly favored.”

Robert’s mission was to engage with everyone he came in contact with, introducing himself and letting them know that “God is good, He woke me up this morning”. He was enthusiastic about the Eagles emphasizing that he has been their number 1 fan since 9 years old. Robert will be missed tremendously.

Robert leaves to cherish fond memories from his beloved wife and best friend, Veronica; one sister, LeTrisha Alexander of Sarasota, Fla; two brothers, Larry Noel and Ronald Noel of Camden, NJ; Goddaughter, LaShanda Edwards of Camden, NJ, God grandson, Sah’mir Ortiz, Camden, NJ; sister in law, Sherita Noel, Delran, NJsister in-law, Rosita Raines, Winston-Salem, NC; brother in law, Lawrence Bethea, Lumberton, NJ; mother in law Rosie Bethea, Winston Salem, NC;  and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

We will always love you