William Melvin "Billy" Robinson

William Melvin Robinson (aka) “Billy” or “Rob” to his family and friends was born on Thursday, August 4, 1932, in Washington, DC to the late Lucius “Louis” and Sarah Wilson-Robinson. Billy and his younger sister Geraldine were the only two children. Billy’s childhood years were lived in the neighborhood near Lane Memorial CME Church located at 1401 C Street, NE in Washington, DC. He began attending Lane Memorial with his neighborhood friends whose families were members. At an early age he was baptized in Lane Memorial and as a faithful member serviced as a Junior Usher, a Choir member, as well as a Boy Scout. He later worked with the Men’s Ministry and various other ministries within the church. During Billy’s earlier years he worked alongside his father, building, and repairing items for family, neighbors and friends. Billy attended Browne Middle School and graduated from Phelps Vocational High School, where he excelled in baseball and football. He also continued his education at Armstrong Night Educational School with pre-college courses here in Washington, DC. September 1951 Billy joined and serve in the United States Armed Forces. He enlisted into the United States Army and served as a U.S. Military Police and U.S. Marshall where he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Corporal. Following Billy’s tour of duty with the U.S. Army, he began a new career working for the Government Printing Office (GPO). Billy attended several training classes to enhance his career with GPO. After 40+years of service, Billy retired from GPO in 1993. In 1970, Billy attended and completed Barber School at Chamberlain Vocational Adult Education School in Washington, DC. He practiced as a licensed barber for many years. Billy met his wife “Gladys” over sixty years ago in the Bowling Center in Southwest Washington, DC, where she spent her leisure time. He came in and sat down beside her in the restaurant area where she was waiting for a friend, he started talking and invited her to go to an Army/Navy football game the following day. She said, “I don’t know you!” and he said “you will. We are going on a bus so you will be safe.” Gladys said “okay” and that was the beginning of a life-long friendship. Billy played baseball and football most of his early life and did not like bowling, but after spending so much time in the bowling center with Gladys, he gave up both baseball and football and started bowling. For over 40 years, Billy and Gladys spent every Saturday evening and night with our bowling league, and for Billy, this turned into multiple bowling leagues during the week. They traveled to many bowling tournaments throughout the states with friends and family. January 1963, Israel Metropolitan CME moved to its current location here on Randolph Street. On March 30, 1963, Billy and Gladys were the first couple to marry in Israel sanctuary. Billy was very orderly, he like dishes washed, clothes ironed and put away, trash out, floors cleaned, so he did all those things in the house every day. He did what needed to be done. He helped raise two children that are now hard workers, love the Lord and family Billy was an exceptional mate, family man, and loved his children. He was on a mission, and he truly fulfilled it. Billy leaves to cherish his memories is wife, Gladys V. White-Robinson, one son, Quintin Wayne Robinson, one daughter, Melva Renee Robinson, one sister, Geraldine M. Robinson-Murphy; three grandchildren: Terrell Armstrong Robinson, Isaiah Timothy Robinson, and Zariyah Renee Whitley, Cousin Rev. Carolyn BlakeHodge; Venita Lynn Murphy-Hale (Steve), Darryl W. Thomas, Lisa Robinson-Long (Eric), Lesley Robinson, Berryta “Rita” White, Charles Griffin (Christine), Tracey Petty, Maurice K. White, John Nolan White, II, and Irvina White; and Brother-in-Law Alvin Maurice White (Jacqueline). Close Relatives: Eola “Ebeth” Price, James “Brother” Holloway, Louis Jackson, Richard and Bobbie Davis.

William Melvin "Billy" Robinson

August 4, 1932 - October 29, 2022