Renzi

De'Lorenz Eli Roberts, affectionately known as Renzi, embarked on his life's joyride on February 27, 2021, in Decatur, GA. With a heart bigger than his bumper car, Renzi's laughter fueled those around him until his journey took a peaceful detour to Lithonia, GA, where he passed away on January 13, 2024, due to a brain tumor.

Renzi was the life of the party, even if the party was just in the living room. He was a connoisseur of all things wheeled – from the rugged treads of his toy trucks to the mesmerizing spin of the "Wheels on the Bus," which was his jam. He was known to bust a move or two whenever the tune hit the airwaves, and you couldn't tell him nothing about his slick driving skills in his mini jeep. He was the kind of kid who could make you forget you were an adult with responsibilities and mortgages, and instead, have you diving into a pile of toy cars, vrooming and zooming along.

Behind every great man, they say, is a great family, and Renzi was no exception. His mom, Clarissa Roberts, was his anchor, his sister Olivia, and his brothers Jaxon and Christian, his co-pilots in mischief. His aunts Kenyea Roberts and Beth Landers, along with his godmothers Patrice Wilson and Krystal Mosley, provided the laughter and love that fueled his days. His uncles Kasim, Keson, and Kevin Roberts, along with his cousins Al-Tareemah Hankerson, Zakir and Ze'mani Green, Zayne Landers, Sa'rai Roberts, and Greyson Roberts, made up his loyal crew. And then there was a host of other family and friends, who were all part of Renzi's extended convoy on his highway of life.

Now, let's get one thing straight – Renzi was a ladies' man, especially when it came to the littlest ones. He was a baby whisperer of sorts, greeting every "baby" with arms wide open, ready to offer them a ride in his jeep or a go on his swings. He was the toddler version of a knight in shining armor – if the armor was made of diapers and the sword was a bubble wand.

Renzi loved "Ms. Monica in the Morning.” She was the jumpstart of his day. His charm was such that he didn't just have a fan club; he had a fan congregation, where even the adults were converted to his cause of unadulterated joy.

In his brief but monumental three years, Renzi became the unofficial mayor of Playtown. He may not have liked all adults, but he had a heart that could turn any grown-up into a puddle of mush with his sweet "heyyy baby" greeting. He was the kind of kid who left a mark, not just on hearts, but on funny bones, too. He reminded us that life doesn't have to be so serious and that sometimes, the best thing you can do is stretch out your arms and embrace the world with the unconditional love of a child.

As we say our goodbyes and rev our engines in his honor, we remember De'Lorenz "Renzi" Eli Roberts not with a heavy heart but with a spirit as light and joyful as his. He taught us to love like a child, laugh like there's no tomorrow, and live like every road leads to adventure. Renzi, you may have been small in size, but your legacy is as grand as the biggest monster truck rally in the sky. Keep on truckin', little man. Keep on truckin'.