Supt. Chester McAurther Robinson's Obituary
Services for Supertindent Chester Robinson, 77, of Lufkin are scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 11 a.m., Harmony Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Davis Memorial Garden. Visitation will be on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m, at Wood Memorial Temple Church of God In Christ.
Superintendent Chester M. Robinson was born on February 17, 1942 in Deadwood, Texas to the late Mother Velma Ruth Boykin-Robinson and the late Deacon J.D. Robinson. He was the oldest son of twelve children. When he was a young child his family moved to Lufkin where he was raised and attended school. His mother joined Zion Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder John Woods, and this became their place of worship.
As a young man, Pastor Robinson moved to Houston to find work and help support his family. While employed at Hobby Airport, God began to deal with him and he became bothered about yielding to God’s will for his life. Back home Elder John Woods was praying and interceding on his behalf. Over time he became deeply troubled and began attending church. He often shared stories of his struggles with life challenges and his desire to serve God. Finding no rest he was haunted by the words “The devil has to be cast out, and the sick must be healed”.
God had a plan for his life and during the depression he traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana with his farther to seek work in order to help support his family in Texas. They lived in a boarding house owned by one of the local Saints Mother Hawthorne, affectionately known as “Big Mama”. She was instrumental in teaching him how to fast and pray while seeking for the Holy Ghost. He purposed in his heart and mind that one day he would be delivered, and one Sunday night he received the Holy Ghost. Although his father returned to Texas, he remained and continued to serve under the leadership of the late Elder Smith. Several years later Pastor Robinson returned to Texas with a zeal and determination to serve as an evangelist. He began preaching God’s word and many souls were delivered. He loved music and was a skillful anointed guitarist. He was employed for over 30 years at Lufkin Industries working as a forklift and crane operator. He retired in 1987 following the passing of his pastor Elder John Woods.
Superintendent Chester Robinson served as Pastor of Woods Memorial Temple COGIC for 31 years. Anyone who knew him could see the light and love of God shining out of him. He was a generous man, helping many in their time of need. Day in an out he modeled commitment and dedication in daily prayer. He lived an honorable life, and leaves behind a tremendous legacy through his investment in others. Pastor Robinson was a devoted husband to Assistant Supervisor Brenda Sue Houston-Robinson for 41 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Effae Angelic Robinson, and sisters Mary, and Carolyn. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Brenda, children: LaShay, Whitnee, Demetric, and Khaelin, grandchildren: Jaela, Jaevion, Jurnee, godchildren: Jayland, and Jakera, sisters: Valla Mae, Tincy of Atlanta, GA, Carolyn of Dallas, TX, Eva, Betty (Lezo), Dorothea, Brenda (Earnest), brothers: Roy (Casandra), John of Tyler, TX., brother-in-law Roger and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and church family.
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