Long Branch, NJ – Family, friends, and community members gathered at Second Baptist Church on Liberty St. to say their goodbyes to Joan Colbert and her foster daughter, 10-year-old Veronica Roach.

There was lots of tears and hugs. It was evident the love was in the air despite the reason they were there.

Last week, Joan Colbert and Veronica Roach were murdered in their home on Lippincott Avenue. Instead of mourning their untimely deaths, the community and both families dressed in white and purple, gathered to celebrate the lives of two wonderful people.

Ms. Joan Colbert

Joan Colbert was a life-long resident of Long Branch and was an active member of the community. A 1970 Long Branch High School graduate, Colbert was known as a caring mother figure in the community from babysitting and fostering children.

The Ms. Joan I knew always had a smile on her face. When I would see her, I wasn’t known as Chenelle, but “Little Renee”, in reference to my mother who has since passed on. That itself always put a smile on my face, something Ms. Joan knew how to do best for others.

Joan Colbert began to care for Veronica as an infant and eventually adopted her with the blessing from her mother.

Veronica’s mother, Jasmine Roach told News12 she was 17 when she had Veronica. Roach said it was hard letting her daughter go but she knew Veronica was in good hands with Joan Colbert, a family friend.

Veronica Roach aka Binky

Nicknamed “Binky”, Veronica loved playing, dancing, and being surrounded by family and friends. She was described as a special child who enjoyed attending church youth activities like Second Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School. She loved Justin Beiber and she too loved to put a smile on people’s faces.

Message of Love

The message at the service was hope, peace, and love. Something that you must look deep for in a tragedy like this one. But we know through time, some solace may come.

It was not the tragedy that took them away so soon that was reflected upon, but the celebration of a life that Joan and Veronica well lived.

As Pastor Bennett said it best, despite it all, “they made it to heaven”.

It may be hard to comprehend and understand why such a tragedy took place. And only the higher above has that answer. But as a person who has suffered loss myself, I find solace in holding onto memories. Because even though loved ones pass away, our thoughts of them never go away.

I send my deepest condolences to the families of both Ms. Joan and Veronica.

Joan Colbert was laid to rest at White Ridge Cemetery in Eatontown, N.J. and Veronica Roach was laid to rest at Monmouth Memorial Cemetery in Tinton Falls, N.J.

Veronica Roach and Joan Colbert’s memory

Joan Colbert leaves to cherish her memory to five sisters (twin sister Jean, Evelyn Mackason-Michael, Betty Ann, Marilyn Tucker – Robert, and Lorraine Colbert); six brothers (Irving, Milton, John, Ernest, George, Fedrick); a special daughter Markeya Butcher, three grandsons (Andre, Jaylen, Brandyn) , and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Veronica Roach leaves to cherish her memory to her parents Jasmine Roach and Charlie Bracey; three sisters, Makyia, Egypt and Azzura; two brothers, Ernton and Ahmine and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly.