Donald Robinson

Donald Ray Robinson was born on June 27, 1952 to his mother Helen C. Henderson and father Thornton Davis in New Willard, Texas.

He was a longtime member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth Darden in Livingston, Texas; before moving to Houston where he joined Yale Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor J.T. Holcomb; and finally The Church Without Walls under the leadership of Pastor Ralph Douglas West to which he was a member until his transition.

Don received his formal education at Dunbar High School and graduated from Livingston High School in 1970. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and served as a Private 2nd Class. Don was employed as a truck driver hauling goods and equipment throughout his civilian career. In 1971, he met his first love, a bouncing baby girl, Deenie. Later, in 1975, Don met his lifetime partner and future wife, Berlie (Jean) Robinson and the two were joined in holy matrimony on May 12, 1979. They were blessed with their daughter Kari in 1983. In 1989 babygirl, Shanese Donye Robinson, was born, completing his special family.

Don was known to be a kind, fun and loving man, with a million dollar smile; and anyone who knew him knew that he adored his Jean. The bond they shared was unmatched, being a role-model of marriage for those that married after them. Don and Jean set the standard of what true love could be, they were best friends, travel buddies and dance partners. When you saw one you definitely saw the other.

Don was a quiet, gentle giant with loads of wisdom that he generously passed on to younger men, when given the opportunity.

Donald Ray Robinson transitioned from this life on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 6:46 pm. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Curtis Davis, Thorton Peter Davis, Woodrow Robinson; sisters: Emma Sue Petty, Anna Margaret (Davis) Dickerson, Betty (Davis) Mitchell; and son-in-love Kendrick Simmons (Deenie).

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of forty-two-years Jean Robinson of Houston, Texas; his daughters who he affectionately called “his girls”:  Shanese Robinson, Deenie Singleton, Kari Taylor (Herb); three brothers: James Davis, Charles Jones, Eddie Robinson; one sister: Helen Allen; grandchildren, Kendrianna, Khalen, Regan, Herbert; one great-grandson Kendix; his very special niece and nephews Shalanda, Eric, Bo; his very best-friend: Johnny Dewalt; and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.