Bernard Jacob Colbert, son of the late Bernard and Julia Colbert, was born

on April 12, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was called home on March

11, 2022.

Affectionately known as Jake, he received his education in the Baltimore

City Public School System.

He was employed with Bethlehem Steel for many years as machine opera-

tor and also worked for PS Management as a maintenance supervisor until

retirement.

Jake accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and became an active

member of the Bethel AME Church. Known as Brother Jake, he devoted a

great deal of his time and talents to the church. He served on the Freedom

Now ministry, Trustee board, Men's Choir and he also served as the

Church Landscaper.

Bro. Jake was a dedicated member of the Druid Heights Community, where

he was loved and admired.

Jake was the Founder and Executive Director of New Life, Inc. Recovery

Housing for Men. He began his program in 1998 with a visit to the Druid

Heights Community Development Corporation to form a partnership in

order to acquire three houses in the neighborhood where he could provide

tough love, spiritually based and structured programs for men who are

interested in overcoming social and life issues. This program offers tempo-

rary housing for men who have completed an intensive drug detoxification

program and aid for recovering men in a disciplined environment. The

participants benefit from the consistent support offered through the difficult

and lengthy process of recovery. With this program, Jake has touched the

lives of many men in the community.

He loved attending family gatherings and especially spending time with his

grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jake met his bride, Shante in January 2000, they later married on June 14,

2008. They loved traveling together, taking countless trips in and out of the

country and creating memories along the way.

He is preceded in death by his sisters; Claudette Bradley, Dorothy Robin-

son, Inez Scovens, and Anna Geraldine Torian; brothers, Lawrence and

Isaiah Colbert.

Jake leaves to cherish his memories, wife Shante Colbert; daughters, Julia,

Tara, Danielle Colbert, Sasha Campbell and Lakiesa Williams; son Ronald

Roots; sister Concetta Colbert; grandchildren, Bryan Reese, Fendi Dun-

nock, Eric Sheppard, Kamera Hudson, Sha-quille Sistrunk, Sasha Abudul

Kariem, Robert, Nas and Kaci; great-grands, Bajzhir and Mahiryan Reese,

Khole and Kouture Duckett, Kylie Frost and a host of nieces, nephews,

extended family, and friends. He will truly be missed.