Rolston Lockett
Photograph of Rolston Lockett, obtained from Jones-Stuart Mortuary.
Rolston J. Lockett Sr. was a loving family man who was held dear by many. Born in Texarkana, Texas to Johnnie C. Lockett and Bertha J. Lockett, Rolston was a devoted, caring father to six sons and three daughters. Rolston’s love was also shared with his two brothers, as well as his seven sisters. His family also included seven grandsons, ten granddaughters, and many nieces, nephews, friends and relatives. Working as a mechanic and a Youth League baseball and football coach, Rolston’s immersion in the community shone through his occupation. He was known affectionately to those that loved him as “T-Bone,” and his absence will be dearly mourned by many.
On August 20th, 2020, aged 52 and incarcerated at Cotulla Unit in Texas, Rolston died from COVID-19 complications at Hospital Galveston. Rolston had tested positive for the virus on July 8th. Tragically, this detection was not enough to save him. Though no autopsy was conducted, medical evidence suggests that COVID-19 was a contributing factor in his death.
Photograph of Rolston, obtained from the Texarkana Gazette.
Rolston joins his father and sister Linda, as well as his daughter Shyianne, who sadly passed away soon after her father. In the words of his dear Britt-Britt on the tribute wall on Rolston’s obituary:
“I love you Uncle Theebo and will miss you. Rest well, you have earned it. Until we meet again…”
The pain and loss surrounding his death, and hope for future reunion, is echoed in the loving words of Angela Lockett Golston, who writes on Facebook of her dear “baby brother” that “God know that this is going to be a hard thing for me because a piece of my heart will be lost and can never be replaced. I love you little brother and will always cherish your memories until we meet again.”
On Facebook, his son, Ricardo, speaks for many in the wider family who are mourning his death and remembering the man: “Rip pop I love u.”
Along with the many who were loved by Rolston, we mourn his loss, wish him the rest he so earned, and hope for his reunion with all he held dear.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Cecile Ramin with information from an obituary in the Texarkana Gazette, a memorial page published by Jones-Stuart Mortuary, Angela Lockett-Golston and Ricardo Lockett on Facebook, and a press release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.