Rodney LaShawn Barfield

Rodney Lashawn Barfield was born on March 21, 1977, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Catherine Barfield and Rodney Fussell. Rodney was raised by his loving grandmother, Gladys Malone, who encouraged him to accept Christ at a young age. Rodney was the oldest of four children and guided them with love and support until he went home to be with the Lord. To his family, he was known as “Roc.” And he was just that. Roc provided endless support, love, peace, and jokes, accompanied by a smile that radiated in any room he entered.

Roc graduated from Glenville High School in 1995, where he played basketball, baseball, and football. With drive and ambition, he went on to develop skills as an arborist with Davey Tree Services before going on to work as a foreman at Asplundh Tree Expert. In 2011, Roc joined the Pipefitters Local 120 Union and worked in several local hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, as well as various local schools.

In 2008, Roc met his fiancée, soon-expected wife, Shamika Sams. Roc was drawn to Shamika’s eyes and smile when he approached her at Bally’s Total Fitness. The two of them frequently enjoyed date nights at Outback Steakhouse. Shamika cared for Roc and stood by his side with tender love and care up through his final moments with us.

When Roc was not hard at work, he spent his time enjoying nature and exploring local parks in the Cleveland area. Roc’s five children, Marcel Wilson, Rodney Barfield Jr., Janine Barfield (late), Janey Barfield, and Layla Barfield, took after their father and developed a deep love for nature and its serenity. Roc looked forward to an annual trip to Cedar Point, as well as visits to Florida and Las Vegas. On Fridays, Roc found joy in gathering with his friends and family to play card games, including tonk, and share an abundance of laughter. Roc could also be found showing off his basketball skills with his nephews in the neighborhood before enjoying their favorite foods.

On July 14, 2025, Roc gained his wings and transitioned to a new life free of pain, worries, and the troubles of this world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Barfield and Rodney Fussell; his maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother, Dave Malone and Geneva Fussell; as well as his daughter, Janine Barfield. Roc leaves to cherish his memory: children, Marcel Wilson, Rodney Barfield Jr., Janey Barfield, and Layla Barfield; grandmother, Gladys Malone; siblings, Katrina Barfield, Latasha Smith, and Tiffany Smith; aunts and uncles, Tonya Turner, Kathleen Fussell, Steven Fussell, and David Malone; nieces and nephews, Nasir Smith, Kyree Smith, and Nyla McLeod; and a host of friends and family.

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