Retta was born in Newark, New Jersey. She is of Liberian descent. She grew up around New Jersey, specifically in Edison and Cliffwood Beach.
In 1988, Retta graduated from Matawan Regional High School in Aberdeen Township, New Jersey. In 1992, Retta graduated from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where she was pre-med and graduated with a degree in sociology.
Retta was raised as a member of the New Apostolic Church. In the youth group of her church, her ability to make others laugh was a major talent. When Retta competed in her first TV comedy contest, members from all over the world from the New Apostolic Church voted for her. This contributed to her winning the contest and helped to further her career. In that contest she mentioned her faith and spiritual upbringing.

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