Obituary
Vetha Isolin Samuel-Laptiste, 88 years of age, passed on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, at 12:50 pm at St. Joseph's Hospital. Her final moments were spent peacefully surrounded by family and close friends.
Vetha Samuel was born November 11, 1935 at Windward Lowmans, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She was a descendant of the native Caribs of the island. Her parents were Arnett Samuel and Roberta Graham. The union between Arnett and Robertha produced five children: Denny, Louisa, Etta, Otway “Arthur,” and Vetha. All of these children except Louisa predeceased Vetha. Louisa “Weeze,” the surviving sister, lives in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Vetha moved to Trinidad & Tobago at age 16, where she lived with an uncle. In her 20s, Vetha married her late husband and the love of her life, Arthur Basil Cuthbert Laptiste, Sr. The marriage resulted in five children: Odette, Andy, Mary, Phil, and Arthur, Jr.
Additionally, Vetha is survived by many nephews, Including Vin, Angus, Anthony, Stellie, Marson, Jeffrey and Anthony, Clarence, and Wilfred. Her surviving nieces include Ronda, Joycelyn, Roxanne, Rowena, Velma, Jennifer, Claudette, Bernadine, Vistula, Morla, Natasha, and Lynnette.
Vetha was a very outgoing and lovely child. She was quite gifted in singing, performing, and dancing. She performed plays/ skits in her surrounding villages.
Vetha was taught the scriptures at an early age. She had a profound and devoted love for Christ and her children.
In 1998, Vetha emigrated from Trinidad to San Diego, California, to live with her daughter Mary. While in San Diego, she provided warm and loving care for her grandchildren, Dwayne and Tatiyanna. In 2005, the family moved to Florida, where
she spent the rest of her days loving the Lord. She developed many friendships with those in the community and church.
Vetha will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially her grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor and was compassionate, friendly, and witty.
Vetha's family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing. She is survived by her five children and nine grandchildren: Dwayne, Tatiyanna, Mickel, Chelsea, Shanice, Harvey III, Isolynn, Camryn, and Jameel, who loved her dearly.
Visitation on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 6-8pm at Serenity Meadows, 6919 Providence Road, Riverview, FL. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 1pm at Glory to Glory Ministries, 4902 E. Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33617.