Bryant Robinson Obituary

Bishop Dr. Bryant Robinson, Jr., a devoted servant of God, educational trailblazer, community, and civil rights leader, transitioned peacefully on February 5, 2025. Born on January 21, 1937, in Minter City, Mississippi, to Mrs. Louise Lyones Robinson and Bishop Bryant Robinson, Sr., Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr. lived a life dedicated to faith, learning, and service. Bishop Robinson received his early education in Mobile, Alabama, before his family migrated to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he continued his education in the Springfield Public Schools and graduated from Springfield Technical High School in 1955. Following his service in the armed forces, he attended Barrington College, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1965. His career in education spanned nearly five decades, beginning as an elementary school teacher in the Springfield Public School System. His leadership abilities led him to roles as Director of Title III programs and principal of William N. Deberry Elementary School, where he became the city's first African American male principal. Later, he served as Springfield's first African American Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent and served in the role of Superintendent. He continued his academic journey, earning a Master of Arts degree from American International College and completing his Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In 1955, Bishop Robinson received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and, shortly after, was called to the ministry. In 1985, he answered a higher calling, serving as the co-pastor of Macedonia and First Church of God In Christ. After his father's passing in 2001, he was appointed pastor of Macedonia and First Church. In 2002, he was consecrated as Bishop of the Massachusetts Greater Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ, where he faithfully served for nearly a quarter of a century. He also continued to work professionally in academia as Dean at Cambridge College in Springfield and as an instructor at Central Connecticut State University. Bishop Robinson was deeply involved in civic and community service, serving on the Springfield Police Commission, the American Red Cross, the United Way, and the NAACP, among many other organizations. The recipient of numerous awards, including the Ubora Award and the Ruth B. Loving Civil Rights Award, Bishop Robinson's commitment to social justice, education, and faith impacted all who knew him. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly sixty-four years, First Lady Dr. Margaree C. Robinson; his children, Attorney Bryant "Trey" Robinson III (Tami), Evangelist Renee L. Marshall, MS, and Dr. Todd E. Robinson (Melissa, M.Ed.); and nine cherished grandchildren Jordan N. Robinson, Kaleb Robinson, Topanga S. Marshall, Bryant Robinson IV, Mattie Lou M. Marshall, Isabella C. Robinson, Joshua T. Marshall, Ava M. Robinson, and Layla B. Robinson. He is also survived by his siblings, brother Andrew (Polly) Robinson, sister Pastor Yvoma (William, predeceased) Butler, and brother Co-Pastor Alvin (Alice) Robinson, and he was predeceased by his sister, State Supervisor Gwendolyn (Lucius, predeceased) Page. Bishop Robinson also leaves behind a host of Sisters and Brothers-in-Law, nephews, nieces, cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, and goddaughters M. Ellen (Kevin) Freeling and Michelle Brown-Quinn, godsons Lawrence "Larry" Scott, Isaiah Templeton, and Bryant Page, and surrogate sons Marko Krivokapic, MM, Jemel Buck, Richard Codrington, and other extended family he loved dearly. His life and legacy will be celebrated to honor his remarkable journey of faith, education, and service. Bishop Bryant Robinson, Jr. will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as his influence inspires future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider donating to the Dr. Bryant Robinson Gift Fund. Donations to the fund may be made via Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App to: drrobinsongiftfund. Visitation will be held on Monday February 17,2025 from 3 to 6 PM and Funeral on Tuesday February 18, 2025 at 10 AM at Macedonia Church of God in Christ 215 Tinkham Rd, Springfield, MA 01129. Burial at Mass Veterans Memorial Cemetery Agawam, MA. Services entrusted to Henderson Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bryant, please visit our floral store.