Clarence Edward Robinson, Sr.

A Celebration of Life for

Sunrise: May 28, 1932

Sunset: September 16, 2015

Clarence Edward

Robinson, Sr.

His Story Clarence Edward Robinson Sr. was born on May 28, 1932, in Greensburg, LA from the union of the late Clarence Eugene Robinson and Luberta Montgomery Robinson Johnson. Clarence attended and graduated from St. Helena High School, where he recently attended his 60th year class reunion. Looking to fulfill his desire for a better life and with limited opportunities in his beloved hometown, Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and became a cook. After receiving an honorable discharge, he later settled in New Orleans where he met and married the love of his life Argia Nell Alexander.

Clarence “Edward” and Argia Nell were married for 56 wonderful years and from this union came four children; Clarence Edward Robinson Jr., Rosalind Genell Robinson Butler, Reginald Gardell Robinson Sr. and Yvette Doniell Robinson Cola. He loved his family unconditionally, and was a great provider. “Ingenuity” was also his middle name.

There was nothing in the world, that was broken or damaged, that couldn’t be fixed with a clothes hanger and duct tape.

As a father, he expected his daughters to be nothing less than ladies and his sons to be honorable men. Clarence not only shared his time and wisdom with his own children, but with his nieces, nephews and other young family members as well. He was affectionately referred to as “Uncle Edward,” “Pawpaw,” “Brother in law,” “Turkey,” and “Edward.”

Drawing from an incredible work ethic and instinctive culinary skills, Clarence had the opportunity to work with many of New Orleans’ most renowned chefs, such as Paul Prudhomme, Ella Brennan and Leslie Austin. However, if you would ask his biggest fans, his children, their culinary skills could never match the love and attention he put into his meals. Clarence’s perseverance helped him be promoted from sous chef to that of Head Chef at the Monteleone Hotel, where he was dearly loved and often referred to as the “Gentle Giant.” After over 35 years of service at the Monteleone Hotel, the Monteleone family hosted a grand retirement party in his honor. He was presented with a commemorative plaque and a gold diamond studded watch. To his surprise, there was even an ice sculpture carved in his likeness!

Although he enjoyed using food to make people happy, his greatest joy was God and family.

Clarence’s Christian walk began at an early age, and he was baptized at Rocky Hill A.M.E. church. Continuing his walk with the Lord, Bro Robinson served as a trusted and dedicated deacon at Divine Providence B.C. and then First Pilgrims B.C. for a combined 43 years.

Clarence was an avid football fan and a dedicated Saints fan, for about only two quarters (smile). His greatest joys (outside of his family) that he often spoke of was witnessing the Saints win the 44th Super Bowl and the election of the first black president of the United States, President Barack Obama. Mentioning those two events automatically elicited a smile and a good conversation. After the loss of his beloved wife, Clarence would diligently call and check on “many” family members and friends. At the end of each conversation, he would tell them he loved them and then yell “DO YOU HEAR ME!!”

On Wednesday morning, September 16th the Lord came in and peacefully called Clarence home to join his beautiful wife, mother, brothers and other dear loved ones. Just as he lived his life, he left this earth quietly and with dignity.

He leaves to cherish his memories, four children, Clarence Jr. (Deniese), Reginald (Madonna), Rosalind (Fredrick) Butler and Yvette (M. Bruce) Cola; his grandchildren, Reginald, Jr. (CaRhonda) and Brittany Robinson, Jessyca Butler, Michael (Jasmine) Jones, Courtney and Quentin Cola; great grandchildren, Michael and Malik Jones; siblings, Jimmy and Arnold Robinson, and one sister, Linda Campbell, brothers-in-law; A. D. Glenn (Brenda) Alexander and Willie Reeves, sisters-in-law; Jenneth Reeves, Sandra (John) Taylor and Evelyn Robinson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He deeply loved his son and daughters-in-law as though they were his own.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; Clarence Eugene Robinson and Luberta Montgomery Robinson Johnson, brothers; Edgar Lee Robinson, Ellis Robinson and Paul Robinson, brother in laws; Kenneth Alexander and Gregory Campbell, sister-in-law; Wilma Robinson, nephews; Jerome Lastie, Stevie Alexander, and Kevin Jones; and one niece; Marie Lastie.

Order of Service Historic Second Baptist Church 2505 Marengo Street New Orleans, LA 70115

Pastor Robert B. Jackson, Officiant

September 23, 2015 10:00 a.m. Service 8:00 a.m. Visitation

Musical Prelude

Organist

Processional

Pastor and Family

Scripture Readings: Old Testament - Psalms 90: 1-12

Jessyca Butler

New Testament – John 14: 1-6

Courtney Cola

Hymn of Praise

Choir

Reading of Obituary/Acknowledgments

Tammie White

Expressions:

Frank Alexander Brittany Robinson Ronald Elder

Family Elder Grandchildren Friend and Neighbor

Selection

Choir

Church Condolences

Bro. Wayne Cola

Solo

Sis. Laverne Davis

Eulogy

Pastor Robert B. Jackson

Expressions by Guest and Associate Ministers A Parting View Benediction

MJR Friendly Funeral Services in charge

Active Pallbearers Franklin Alexander Nelson Alexander Troy Alexander

Quentin Cola Michael Jones, Sr. Reginald Robinson, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers Franklin Alexander, Sr. Glenn Alexander, Sr. Trymell Jones Clarence E. Robinson, Jr. Reginald G. Robinson, Sr.

Clifton Robinson Thomas Robinson John Taylor Kenneth Thomas

With Thanks and Deep Gratitude The family of Clarence E. Robinson, Sr. would like to thank you for all your prayers, calls and notes of encouragement during this time. We truly appreciate you taking the time to be a part of this Homegoing Celebration for a life well lived. May God bless and keep you, is our prayer.

The Family Arrangements

Fi n al Res t i ng P la ce

MJR Friendly Funeral Services 7863 Florida Blvd.

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Providence Memorial Park 7600 Airline Drive Highway Metairie, LA 70003

Repast Legacy Hall 4901 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans, LA 70126

Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com

Program Design: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com