Robert Gbeah Daniels

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, leader, and friend, Robert Gbeah Daniels, who was called home to be with our Lord on April 10, 2023. Though our hearts are saddened, we rejoice knowing that Robert lived a life worthy of hearing the words recited in Matthew 25:23, “His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

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Born on December 25, 1954, in Kaigban Town District #2, Grand Bassa County, Liberia, to his father Gbeah Kai, and mother Youto Gbeah, Robert was the fourth of Oldman Gbeah’s 12 children.

Robert fulfilled a life of service and purpose. As a man of God, full of wisdom and integrity, Robert was bold in his faith and walk with Christ.

Robert graduated from Lott Carey Baptist Mission School in Liberia before coming to the United States in 1977. He later played semi-professional soccer and graduated from Salt Lake Community College as an electrician. Robert served as a Master Electrician and repair technician for over 40 years for Abbott Laboratories and Costco Warehouse.

In 1992, Robert joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. France A. Davis. In March 2006, Bro. Daniels was ordained as a Deacon at Calvary. He served as the president of Calvary's Stephen Laymen’s Ministry and Vice President of the Intermountain General Baptist Convention Laymen’s Auxiliary for several years. Always arriving in his best suits and ties, of which he loved and had many, Robert served as a Deacon for over 15 years.

His faithfulness to service did not end there. Robert was a member of the Calvary Baptist Men’s Choir, and the Mass Choir, where he the position of Vice President. He was a teacher for the New Members' Sunday School Class and was a mentor to many at Calvary. Brother Robert also served as the Vice President of the Stephen Laymen's Ministry for Calvary for several years and volunteered with the Fill the Pot Ministry.

In 2018, Robert received the Walter Allen Recognition Award from the Intermountain General Baptist Convention (IGBC) for faithful and dedicated service to the Laymen’s ministry. He received the Tommie L. Williams Living Legend Award from the National Baptist Convention for Above and Beyond Commitment and Service.

Robert was a man of the people and greeted all those he met with a smile and a hug. He was a father figure and dubbed "The Community Dad" and “Uncle Robert” to many. He would frequently visit those in hospitals and nursing homes. When he wasn’t working or serving in the church, you could find him praying, reading, spending time with his family, or enjoying his favorite Starbucks coffee or Mud Pie Mojo ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. He never met a stranger and always opened his arms to those in need.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and loved ones. He was a proud husband, father, brother, grandfather, and a proud member of his beloved church.

Robert is survived by his wife Sonjia Daniels; his children, Gabriel, Shaunte, Shavon, and Xavier, his son-in-love, Byron Dennis; and his grandson, Zayvion Dennis; his sisters, Giomonto Gbeah Togar, Rebecca Doemar Gbeah, and Widijay Gbeah; and his brothers, Flomo Gbeah, B. Alfred Kai Gbeah, Joe W. Gbeah, and Elijah Kai Gbeah. Robert is preceded in death by his parents Gbeah Kai and Youtu Gbeah, several siblings, and his daughter Shaneka Daniels.

Robert touched the lives of all those he encountered and especially those closest to him. He was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a dependable, generous, loving, and kind man. Words cannot convey the feelings or emotions of how great of a man Robert was, and how much he will truly be missed. May there be peace in the comfort of knowing he is with his Lord and Savior, and reunited with his daughter and family. Robert truly lived a life of service to God. Well done, Robert, well done, thy good and faithful servant!

Services will be held on, April 20, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church (1090 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111) at 12:00 p.m. MT. The public viewing will be at 11:00 a.m. MT.

Interment: Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 S. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123.