John Robinson Sr.

Mr. John “Johnny” Robinson, Sr. of Petersburg, VA, gained his heavenly wings on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center. One of eleven children of the late Richard Robinson, Sr., and Hattie Green Robinson, John was born July 2, 1949, and was a native of Petersburg.   At an early age, Johnny confessed Christ and was baptized at Royal Baptist, Petersburg, VA. 

He attended the Petersburg Public School System and was a well-known meat cutter in the Petersburg area.  He has “sharpened his knives” at many grocery food chains, namely: Beville’s Fifth Market, Try Me Grocery, Gates Food Land, Crockett’s Food Center and later retired from Food Lion in 2013 after 25 years of service.    

He was preceded in death by sister, Joyce Robinson; brothers Rudolph, Richard, Jr., Roy, and Jerome Robinson; mother-in-law Constance Eldridge; father-in-law David Edmonds, sisters-in-law Laverne Eldridge and Joan Jackson (James). 

Johnny leaves to cherish his precious memories, a devoted wife of over 50 years, Cathy “Tudy” Eldridge Robinson; loving children LaShawn Robinson Claiborne (Clarence) and son, John Robinson, Jr. (Tierra Woodley); he was “Pa” to grandchildren, Clarence “CJ” Claiborne, Jr., Cameron Claiborne and Jada Robinson; loving sisters Lois Robinson, Beverly Robinson, Jacqueline Robinson Eldridge; brother, Herman Robinson; three sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Eldridge, Diane Fields, Yvette Rose (Big Melvin) and Estelle Harrison Robinson; brothers-in-law Jerome Edmonds and Nathaniel Edmonds, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Johnny will be remembered for his persona and style of dress, often seen donned in a Kangol or Dobbs hat and handsome shoes. He had an extensive number of albums and loved listening to music, watching cowboy movies and westerns, and working, or simply relaxing in the yard. In the kitchen, he could prepare the best “non-recipe” meals you’d ever tasted and was credited for his top-notch grilling skills, which were enjoyed by family and friends. He especially enjoyed receiving birthday cards, celebrating his birthdays every year, and was proud of over 300 cards he’d collected over the years. Johnny was the epitome of an amazing man. He was a hardworking husband, fantastic father, proud PaPa, and so much more, to so many. His presence will be immensely missed, and his memory will live forever in our hearts.

 
A homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, Virginia.  Burial will follow at the Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held on Friday April 28, 2023 from 12 Noon to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.  

 
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Joseph M. Johnson and Son Funeral Home, 530 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg. (804)-863-4411.