For decades the general public saw Valerie Neita-Robertson, King’s Counsel as a courtroom gladiator who waged fierce battles for her clients and who was never afraid to voice her opinions.

On Friday, during the thanksgiving service for her life, the veteran attorney’s four sons shared her maternal qualities which instilled in them the deep love and adoration they had for her.

“I’ve always held immense pride for my mother. She was a woman of passion; that passion could sometimes manifest as a fiery temper, but even in those moments her underlying compassion and sense of justice were always present. Her best qualities, however, were truly heroic when seen in action,” Jhaldir Wilson, her oldest son, told relatives, friends and colleagues who packed St Andrew Parish Church in Half-Way-Tree to pay final respects to Neita-Robertson who passed on February 24, 2025 at the age of 71.

Jhaldir’s brother, Shakir Wilson, spoke of waking up each morning as a boy and being greeted by his mother’s smile.

“I still love waking up early because it brings back memories of those mornings, waking up to my mom’s smiling face, the air filled with excitement, knowing an adventure around Jamaica was waiting,” he said.

“I’d spring out of bed, and off we’d go. Cool, crisp air and fun were waiting. There was also always a good stop along the way and like clockwork, while I was filling my belly, someone would shout, ‘Ms Neita!’ She’d smile and walk over to greet them, falling into warm conversation. It was as if the whole world knew her. As a wide-eyed kid I thought this was just normal. But now, reflecting on it as I write this, I realise it was anything but,” he said.

After her first husband passed, Neita-Robertson’s second marriage produced two sons — Dmitry and Abraham Robertson.

Dmitry remembered his mother as someone who loved her family, especially her sons and grandchildren.

“She invested all she had in ensuring we were comfortable and had all the resources to be successful. Interestingly, her love for her grandchildren eclipsed her love for her children,” he said.

“She spoiled them, and any attempt to reprimand or discipline my daughter in front of her would be met with staunch opposition. She would say, ‘No, Dmitry, man, you too rough. Leave the little girl alone.’ I can tell you that as a youngster she never spared us a right hand or drape up when we deserved it,” he said, adding that Neita Robertson raised strong men who she taught to be fierce, resilient, and disciplined.

Her last son, Abraham, said his mom’s presence still lingers in every Jamaican who ever had a fair shot [at justice] because of her.

“Her love doesn’t die. It simply changes form. To be around her was to be reminded of one’s own potential. Every child she raised, every person she mothered, whether formally or informally, was made to feel like greatness was within reach. Even those who had been overlooked or underestimated their whole lives walked away believing they were capable of excellence. Many of them did just that, becoming doctors, lawyers, public servants and accountants, who were all part of a sprawling, extended family built not by biology, but by belief,” Abraham said.

Born on June 17, 1953 Neita Robertson began her legal career as a junior to top flight attorneys Anthony Spaulding and Ian Ramsay, QC (both now deceased). She later opened her own practice and served 47 years at the bar up until the time of her passing.

She was known for making significant impact as a criminal defence attorney.

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2016, Neita Robertson was regarded as a leader of the bar and a champion of the people’s cause, according to her family.

She has left an enduring legacy advocating for judicial reform and access to justice for all Jamaicans.

In addition to her legal practice, Neita Robertson entered representational politics as a member of the People’s National Party (PNP).

She served as councillor for the August Town Division in St Andrew Eastern; legal advisor to the party, member of the campaign team; and campaign manager in St Andrew West Rural, Portland Western, St Andrew East Rural, and St Mary Western.

She contested the Portland Western seat for the PNP in the 2020 General Election but lost to the Jamaica Labour Party’s Daryl Vaz.