Rita Robena James was born on April 5, 1925, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Puerto Rican native Elisa Robena Cline and Tortola native David Cline. She entered eternal rest on September 19, 2025, at the regal age of 100.

Rita’s very life was a testament to resilience. As a young child she nearly lost her life to pneumonia, but by the grace of God, she was spared, for she had work to do and lives to bless. Radiant in beauty, charisma, and charm, Rita captured the hearts of many throughout her life. Though she had many “lovey dovey’s,” sweethearts, and “boyfriends,” her most cherished union was her marriage to Albian Romo, whom she wed in September 1943 and remained married to until 1956. Later in life, she shared companionship with Robert “Bobby” Charles Houston, who is also with the Lord.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother and father, Elisa and David Cline, as well as her six siblings—Basil Cline, Alma Cline, Ilva Cline, Audry Cline, Murial Cline, and Joyce Cline—all St. Thomas natives. She was the last of her siblings to be received by the angels of the Lord.

She is survived by her great-niece and adopted daughter, Elisa Robena Baptiste, and her great-nephew and adopted son, Raphael Stewart Baynes. She is lovingly remembered by her nephew, Dana Boyd Huntt of Staten Island, New York; nephew Curt Renaldo Burley of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and niece Judith Todman of the Bronx, New York. Rita also leaves behind numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family across multiple generations who brought her immense joy.

Though she never bore children of her own, Rita was affectionately known as “mother, mom, mommy, mama,” and more to countless people. Her nurturing spirit and life’s travels made her a second mother to many, so much so that she was fondly likened to the “little old lady who lived in the shoe.” Rita’s love and care left a lasting impression on every child and family she touched.

A faithful Catholic, Rita devoted herself to her church and community. She began her spiritual journey at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Charlotte Amalie, where she was baptized, confirmed, and received communion. She also attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School as a child. Over the years, she remained active in numerous churches, most recently St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, where her life is being honored and celebrated today.

At a young age, Rita traveled often between St. Thomas and Puerto Rico, working for the family that built Hassel Island. On September 21, 1947, she moved to New York, later living in Chicago and Boston, where she studied at the Apex School of Beauty Culture. In 1967, she settled in California, where she remained, while frequently visiting loved ones in various states and back home in the Virgin Islands.

Rita was known for her unwavering kindness, strength, faith, and remarkable memory. She was a devoted believer, a beloved mother figure, a storyteller, a historian, a jokester, and a shining light. Though she made her home in California, her final resting place will be in St. Thomas, where her ashes will return to the ocean’s waves, basking in the brilliant sun and healing waters she so loved.

Rita Robena James will be forever remembered and cherished. She is now in the arms of angels, awaiting the day when she will be welcomed by the Lord. May her soul rest in everlasting peace and joy, and may her memory continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/rita-james/obituary/

Copy