Tributes

Rev. J. R. Robinson, the last of Mr. Johnny Roberson and Mrs. Cora Roberson’s ten children, was born February 3, 1930, in Stokes, North Carolina. He was reared in Stokes, North Carolina; Alexandria, Virginia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Brooklyn, New York. His experiences in these places had a positive, direct influence upon his thirst for knowledge, his love for people, and his strive for heaven. Rev. Robinson had a thirst for knowledge. He graduated valedictorian of his high school class after much discussion concerning the spelling of his surname which his fifth grade teacher in Alexandria, Virginia changed. He attended and or studied at nine institutions of higher learning and received the following degrees: Master Barber Certificate in 1956 at Harris Barber College, four master degrees including B.A. in 1955, Saint Augustine’s College, M.A. in 1963, North Carolina Central University, M.Ed. in 1972, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and three doctorate degrees including Ed.D in 1977, University of Houston, a doctorate in English, and a doctorate in linguistics. Obtaining these degrees and being in the United States Army afforded Rev. Robinson an opportunity to meet and develop love for people. This love for people was most evident in his work ethics. He began teaching on the high school level in 1955, and he taught at two high schools. Rev. Robinson taught at five institutions of higher learning and he lectured to more than 31,200 students. During his teaching career, Rev. Robinson conducted two workshops, directed the Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I three years, pastored three church congregations, and barbered six years. Rev. Robinson’s thirst for knowledge and his love for people have paid tremendous dividends, but neither can compare with his strive for heaven. He very frequently used the TERMS “Heaven minded and hell scared” and “Prayer meeting in hell is too late” both seriously and realistically. Rev. Robinson’s primary aim is “to let nothing come between his soul and his savior” as he strived to live a righteous, clean, and sober life to be assured of spending eternity in heaven. Left to cherish his memories are daughter, Reverend Mary Ann Crandall of Raleigh, NC; son, Marvin Robinson of Smithfield,NC; ten grandchildren, Tammy Alexander of Atlanta, GA, Veronica Jackson (Charles) of Alexandria, VA, Sherrie Peacock (Gerald) of Raleigh, NC, Sandra Mayo of Raleigh, NC, Sonya Judd of Portland, OR, Lamar Mayo (Camilla) of Bowie, MD, Kelvin Mayo (Felicia) of Pleasanton, CA, Carolyn Mayo of Raleigh, NC, Treshell Herndon of Raleigh, NC, Stephen Mayo (Mica) of Redwood, City CA; twenty-six great grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Tributes

Rev. Dr. Jesse Ray Robinson

February 3, 1930 - July 8, 2018