Johnetta Robinson

Robinson, Johnetta Mrs. Johnetta Garrett Robinson was born September 2, 1924, in Lexi, Arkansas, to the union of John Wesley Garrett and Edith Edwards. She was introduced to Christianity and baptized in her early childhood. She received her Elementary and High School Education in Memphis, Tennessee. She married David Carl Robinson, Sr. in 1942, who preceded her in death in 1996. Affectionately known as "Mother Robinson", she was the older of two daughters, but her younger sister, Dorothy Garrett, preceded her in death. She was known to work at the Walgreens Lunch Counter in Chicago, and would open one store, work the full shift and go to another store, and work another shift until closing. She did this, with her husband, to put her children through private school. She left Walgreens to work in Chicago Public Schools as a teachers' assistant. She continued at this capacity until she retired at the age of 75. She was known to do the splits at the student assemblies, even up to retirement. Johnetta lived the last years of her life with the fist of seven children, David Robinson, Jr., his wife, Dr. René Settle-Robinson, and their children, Michael, Rachel and John. She went everywhere they went and engaged people whenever she could. She would tell many of them how pretty they were and "Girl, get your picture taken while you're young!" She would call them a "Bad Mamma Jamma", and encouraged them, "Don't let anyone steal your joy!" All who knew Mother Robinson loved her lively spirit . She would say she doesn't "class with old people because all they do is talk about their aches and pains. You are supposed to eel something. That is how you know you are alive!", explaining why she preferred to "Class with young people". She was an active member of Spirit Life Church in Milwaukee until she became too ill to attend. She loved Chicago and would frequently say she's "Going back to Chicago!" Sadly, that day has come. Johnetta G. Robinson passed away on September 5, 2013, after celebrating her 89th birthday at Alexian Village in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Chaplain that visits all people in Hospice Care was impressed the Mother Robinson was the only one who cold quote the scriptures. Mother was known to wear out several bibles. Her funeral was held Thursday, September 12, 2013, t the Apostolic Church of God on 63rd and Dorchester in Chicago, Illinois, where she used to usher and sing in the choir. Viewing was at 10:00 AM and funeral services were at 11:00 AM. She was laid to rest in Oakland Memory Lane Cemetery, in Dolton, Illinois, in a plot near her own Mother. She is survived by all seven children, 23 grandchildren, and a host of loving relatives, friends and admirers. As Mother Robinson would say, "Praise the Lord!"