Richard Robinson

Obituary For Richard Robinson

Richard Robinson quietly departed this life on the morning of Sunday, April 13, 2024. He was born on April 18, 1951 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Mary Jean and Clayton Robinson. Reared in Washington D.C., he created a lifetime of great memories and joy with his parents’ love and that of his siblings, Judy Robinson-Lomax and Adjoa Dionne Robinson. He was educated in the DC Public school system, graduating from Ballou High School. In 1973, Richard graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Hampton VA. During this time, he also became a jazz enthusiast collecting hundreds of albums over a lifetime.

Richard enjoyed his career at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Washington, DC, as a manager for student accounts. There, he was a vital force ensuring timely student registration and compliance with university financial regulations, as well as other fiscal tasks. While at the university in the mid-1970’s, Richard met and fell in love with a fellow colleague, Sheila Clark (nee McClintock), and began a lifetime of committed love. They both retired from university service in the early 2000s. The couple enjoyed bi-annual Caribbean jazz cruises and travel throughout the U.S., especially Florida. Sheila and Richard were inseparable. They sealed their partnership of over 45 years marrying on a snowy Valentine’s Day in, 2010. They were blessed with a son in 1979, Clayton Julius Robinson who later married Angela Johnson. This union expanded the Robinson clan with the births of two grandsons Kevin and Corey. Richard and Sheila were doting grandparents and assisted in raising their grandchildren; spoiling them with whatever they could, especially time, love and a second home.

Richard joined Greater St. Paul Baptist Church in 2009. He was an active member serving as a deacon, vice president of the Helping Hands ministry, and member of the E. F. Timbers Male Chorus. Church members particularly enjoyed when Richard and Sheila cooked for church functions as members of the Hospitality Ministry. Richard regularly attended weekly Bible study and was recognized for dedicated and excellent service to the Gospel Chorus on the occasion of the church’s 40th anniversary and was commended for his labor and sacrifice toward the church’s remodeling project.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Clayton J. Robinson, grandsons Kevin and Corey Robinson, sisters Bonita “Judy” and Adjoa, a nephew Earl Lomax, a best friend, Jacquelin May and a host of other relatives and friends. His wife and parents preceded him in death.