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Thomas Robinson Obituary
Presiding Elder Reverend Thomas Daniel Robinson of 2817 White Road and formerly of 619 South 14th Street, Wilmington, NC, departed this life on Thursday, August 21, 2008, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter. Visitation will be held at Price Cathedral AME Zion Church tonight from 6 - 8 PM. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at St. Luke AME Zion Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
"T.D." as he was affectionately addressed by friends, loved ones and colleagues was born in Eastover, SC to Thomas and Bell Robinson on February 10, 1917. As a young man, he moved to Wilmington and soon united in holy matrimony to Ollie Bell Price of Charlotte, NC who preceded him in death in February of 1994. "T.D." joined Price Cathedral African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and immersed himself in the work of the ministry when God called and chose him to be a "fisher of men" under the tutelage of the late Bishop Herbert Bell Shaw.
During 51 years of "active" ministry, Reverend Robinson armed himself with the word of God, listened to and was led by the voice of the Holy Spirit as he fed the Lord's sheep in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding areas of the Cape Fear Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church. He pastored the following A.M.E. Zion Churches: Zion Chapel - Wilmington, St. Andrew - Wilmington, St. James - Leland, Summerville - Leland, Evergreen - Delco, Mt. Hebron - Hallsboro, St. Mark - Whiteville, and Warner Temple - Wilmington.
He was appointed as Presiding Elder of the Wilson District in 1984 for one year before being appointed as the Presiding Elder of the Wilmington District until his retirement in 1997. Aside for love of God's people, he was known for his love of fishing and flowers. He excelled at both as those who knew him would attest. He shared the copious amounts of spots he would catch on the piers of the surrounding ocean side with fellow fish lovers. His beautiful yard and flowers that were displayed served as a testament to his green thumb.
He leaves to all those who knew him a legacy of love, leadership, and a kind jovial spirit.
He is survived by one daughter, Dr. Gail Robinson Ezell (Toronzo) of Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren, his loving and devoted granddaughter Toronya "Tonya" Karliece Ezell of the home and Terricka Gaye Ezell of Huntsville, AL; two sisters-in-law, Esther Tinsely and Sara Stewart (Johnie), both of Charlotte, NC;. five dear nieces, Shirley Robinson McKoy (David) of Wilmington, NC, Cynthia Stewart-McDuffie (James) of Portsmouth, VA, Pamela Bell (David), Gracie Redfern (Alton), and Katherine Tinsely, all of Charlotte, NC; three special cousins, Mary Elizabeth Jennings and Robert Robinson, both of Wilmington, NC, and Brutus Robinson of Paterson, NJ, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
A Service of John H. Shaw's Sons Funeral Home
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Robinson
Bishop and Mrs Harry L. Hendricks, Sr.
August 29, 2008
We extend our condolences to the Robinson family. To our dear and valued friends, Doris Wallas and family, our prayers are with each of you in your season of breavement; Be encouraged in the Lord, for he cares for you.
Doris Wallace
August 29, 2008
Although I did not have the privilege of knowing my father, Reverend TD Robinson, until later in my adult life, it is apparent that he was a "workman in the vineyard". I am comforted to know that he is at rest awaiting the rewards of his labors on earth. We ask that Jesus, that great consolator, continue to bless our families as we draw closer to Him in the days to come. Daddy - rest in peace!
Your Daughter,
Doris Jean Lewis-Wallace
3750 N. Woodford #1602
Decatur, IL 62526
(217)875-5178
Gideon & Angela Walker
August 29, 2008
In honor of our great-grandfather Reverend TD Robinson - we sure wish we could have met you when we were visiting Wilmington, NC with our grandmother, Doris Wallace. Great-granddad was surely a wealth of spiritual wisdom. Sorry we missed the blessing of knowing him.
Margaret Walker
August 28, 2008
King Soloman, the wisest man who ever lived, said every thing has its time. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens: A time to be born, and a time to die;..."
May God provide you what you need in your time of sorrow.
Victoria Walker
August 28, 2008
To my grandfather - a man of God who dedicated his life to the work of the ministry. Upon meeting him for the first time along with my sister and mother, Doris Wallace, I was awed at his accomplishments within the body of Christ. He leaves a great legacy of which we can be proud. To my Aunt Gail Ezell and the rest of my new family, let's thank God for Granddad TD's life and celebrate our family's future. Remember that God makes no mistakes and He does all things well!
Victoria Walker
Gail Wallace
August 28, 2008
My prayers are with the family. My God bless you and keep you. May his face shine upon you and give you peace.
Missionary Gail Wallace, Decatur, Ill daughter of Doris Wallace; granddaughter of Rev. Thomas Robinson
Constance Hughes
August 28, 2008
My heart feels sad because my grandmother; Doris Wallace, father passed away. My prayers go out to her and the Robinson family..Great Granddaughter, Constance Hughes, Decatur Il.
Brenda Fox
August 28, 2008
I also was saddened to hear of the passing of my grandfather. My family and I only met him once but I remember that visit like it was yesterday and enjoyed it. Remember weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. From his granddaughter Brenda Fox & Family, Decatur IL (now Charlotte NC)
Gail Wallace
August 28, 2008
To the Family and loved ones of Elder Thomas Daniel Robinson: once again, the Lord has called to His bosom another of His beloved children and we bow in humble acceptance of His will. I recommend to the family to an all-wise and knowing God who can ease your sorrows and share your pain. Remember that weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Respecifully submitted, Elder Thomas Daniel Robinson's granddaughter, Missionary Gail Wallace, mother; Doris Wallace Decatur, Illinois. God Bless!
Karen Wallace
August 28, 2008
To the Robinson family
I was saddened to hear that my grandfather had passed. God saw a beautiful flower and decided it was time to pick it. God knows best. He will never be forgotten!
From his granddaughter in Decatur, illinois
Benitha Kelly
August 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I never had the privilege of meeting him personally but I had heard so many wonderful things about him. I am also a neice of Elder Robinson. I am of the daughter of his brother Thomas Doc Robinson. Benitha Gail Robinson-Kelly
STEPHANIE MOORE
August 27, 2008
The Williston Class of 1968 expresses our sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
shenita bellamy
August 27, 2008
Toronya you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers...may you continue to TRUST in GOD and HE will continue to comfort and keep you...Love the YAMS of Warner Temple AMEZ
Peggy J. Wilson
August 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jenniffer Robbins
August 26, 2008
I will always remember Rev. Robinson for his spirit was as sweet as honey and we always teased him about the ladies. His smile was as fresh as the dew on the morning rose. Family lift up you heads and be encouraged for weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.Good Night,Good night Rev. Robinson
Evelyn Robertson
August 26, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Mary Hollis
August 26, 2008
I remember Rev Robinson from Summerville Church. God did bless Him.
ESTHER MCKELLAR-FORD
August 26, 2008
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Poetry Foundation
BERTHA (GORDON) DIXON
August 26, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rev. & Mrs. Elijah (Dorthy) Coleman
August 26, 2008
To the Robinson Family: Words could not express how we felt when we heard the news of Rev. Robinson's home-going. Oh we were not worried, because we know it was a safe landing. We will never forget the kindness shown us by Rev. Robinson when we arrived in the Cape Fear Conference, on the Wilmington District. He took us under his wings. He was our Elder, but more than that, he was our friend. He always had a "Good" word of encouragement for us. He had respect for all of his Pastors and their wives, and never ever would he hurt you. If he couldn't help you, he would find a way, or someone who could. He feed us both Spiritually and Nutritiously with the fishes he caught:) Fishing was his passion, Rev. Robinson was a people's person, and loved children with a passion. Between 1986 and 1999 he worked daily with the Inner City Children at the Shaw-Speaks Center. He hardly missed a day. If he had to go out of town he would stop by to let us know he was leaving, when he would be back, and how we could reach him in case of an emergency. Every other week the Staff could depend on Rev. Robinson to bring them the catch of the day. The Children adored him, and they would run up to him when he walked through the gym. Rev. Robinson always took time to greet them for he knew what a smile, and a little attention meant to them. We chose the poem "In My Pocket" for him because he would walk in with his hand in his pocket sometime, and when the kids would ask him what was in his pocket, he would say "I got a bushel and a peck, and hug around your neck" He often made that same statement in the pulpit when making reference to how much he loved you, he said love was "Action" "If you say you love somebody, show them!" We will always have beautiful memories of Elder T. D. Robinson because he always showed us how much he loved us. Sleep on Rev. Robinson, take your rest.
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Carolyn McNeil-Murrell
August 26, 2008
Gail,
I have such fond memories of your parents from the days of Price Cathedral. I am so sorry to learn of your father's recent death. I was always in awe of him as a young girl. He was so charismatic. God's blessings to you and your family as you morn your loss.
Millicent Brown Fauntleroy
August 26, 2008
Gail, please accept my condolences and prayers for strength for you and all the family at the passing of your father. I'm sure Richard would wish me to add his own note of sympathy here. Millicent
Romona Nixon
August 26, 2008
Toronya, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hattie Moore
August 26, 2008
Rev. "TD" will surely be missed. As a memeber of St. Andrew AMEZ Church, I enjoyed his visits and it was especially rewarding when he delivered the message. What a laugh he had! God bless the family as you celebrate the life of such a wonderful man.
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