Deacon Theodore Nathaniel "Jimmy" Robinson

Deacon Theodore "Jimmy" Nathaniel Robinson, 87, formerly of 829 Marseilles St., Petersburg, Va., departed this life on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Ruby Robinson Gamby; mother, Sarah Elliott; devoted aunts, Louise Moore, Mary Robinson, Alice Robinson and Maggie Crump; uncle, Thomas Robinson; and a devoted friend, Sarah Scott.

Jimmy, an only child, was born on Dec. 20, 1921. After graduation from Peabody High School, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a retiree of Defense General Supply Center (Bellwood), Richmond, Va., where he was known as the "Whistler." As a general foreman at Bellwood, he was recognized as one of the top ten out of 56,000 Defense Service Agency (DSA) employees in 1970.

As a faithful Christian, he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon for over 50 years. Jimmy was one of the founders of Unity Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., where he sustained his membership. His continuous Biblical studies led him to document many inspirational writings and he was devoted to sharing God's word even during his most recent illness. Jimmy was a founding member of Club 17 and a member of the Masonic Temple Lodge. As a resident in the Edenburg Community, he served as president for the Edenburg Neighborhood Watch Association for many years.

Jimmy truly enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Some of his infamous quotes that he would pass on to others included, "Don't get on if you don't know where to get off" or "Go slo' you can go some mo." Many in the community came to know him as "Smiley" because of his friendly demeanor.

He leaves to cherish his memories, four daughters, Annett Robinson Gillard (William) of Chester, Va., Glenice Robinson-Como (Paul) of Missouri City, Texas, Vanessa Robinson Rose (Eldridge) of Williamstown, N.J., and Belinda Robinson Todd (Daniel) of Petersburg, Va.; his grandchildren, Paul Como of Missouri City, Texas, Torie Rose of Williamstown, N.J., and Blair Washington of Jacksonville, Fla.; mother-in-law, Annie Cooper, Petersburg, Va.; cousins, Tina and Alton Jennings of Petersburg, Va.; devoted friends, Janet and Janell Giles of Petersburg, Va.; family members of the late Sarah Scott, and other extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at Unity Baptist Church, 330 South St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Albert Toney, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Southlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Petersburg, Va.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, at the chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc.. Cards and condolences may be sent to his daughter, Annett Gillard, at P.O. Box 2642, Chester, VA 23831.

Honorary and active pallbearers are asked to assemble at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at 11 a.m. at the funeral establishment the day of the services.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Robinson online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.