Life is like an untraveled road with complex twists and turns, marked with joy and sorrow.  Rodericus Shorter's life journey began 45 years ago in Arlington, GA on Monday, January 7, 1974.  He was born into the loving and protective arms of his parents, James and Patricia Shorter.  Early on, the young couple would teach their first born that God was the one and only Full-Service Guide to love and would lead him thru life's twists and turns.  Most of his young life, he was raised with his close-knit, large extended family in Leary, GA.  In 1986, Rodericus and his parents relocated to Miami, FL, and although he was a new kid in the big city, he had the natural gift and personality that blessed him with life-long friends.  Rodericus was educated in Calhoun County   and Miami-Dade County where he completed his studies at Miami Central High School. Over the years, he would become an avid sports fan who loved being around people, especially his friends and family.

In 1993, Rodericus received the "perfect gift" from God, his daughter, Toraya (Courtney) Shorter.  Just like her father, Courtney would be taught to follow the steps ordered by the Holy Spirt. In 2006, Rodericus married Shantrell Dawkins and a year later the couple was blessed with a son, Tyrin Shorter, who was also taught to love and serve God. Rodericus was a loving and doting father.  He shared a special bond with his younger sibling, Jason Shorter.  Jason has always loved and treated them both as his own and he will be at peace knowing that they have Jason as an earthly father.

Rodericus was employed at Family Tree Concept for the last five years providing care for special needs individuals.

Eight years ago, Rodericus' faith was tested when he started experiencing health issues with his heart. With God and his supportive family by his side, he "fought a good fight".  As a Believer, he knew that God was guiding him down the path of finding eternal peace by joining Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church in 2018 under the leadership of Pastor Dwayne Richardson.

On Friday, August 16, 2019, Rodericus "finished his victory lap strong and is rejoicing in heaven."  Earthly cares and sorrows have ceased for him. The Lord led him to his eternal home, and he is now rejoicing with his  grandparents, Rosa & James Shorter, Sego Oliver and Frank Perry.

Celebrating his life and honoring his memories are his parents, James and Patricia Shorter; children, Toraya and Tyrin Shorter; siblings, Shatelle Shorter and Jason Shorter; grandmother, Sally Perry; aunts: Della Oliver-Idlett and Mary Oliver (Leary, GA), Barbara Oliver and Marilyn Oliver (Miami, FL), Annie B. Mallory, Lenora Hicks, Frankie Perry,  Madgelene Perry (Albany, GA), Diane Perry (Albany, GA), Evon Perry (Albany, GA), and Annie Doris Jackson (Palm Bay, FL). Uncles: Johnny Oliver (Beatrice), Willie Oliver (Ralphelia), Richard Oliver (Miami, FL), Russell Shorter (Renita) (Baconton, GA), Willie F. Perry (Albany, GA), Jural Scott (Leary, GA), and Mitchell Scott (Albany, GA) and a host of extended family and friends.