It has been said that grief is the price we pay for loving someone, and for some, grief hinders their ability to see God. But for the loved ones of Viola A. Robinson and her son, Andre R. Robinson, their affection is what allows them to see the Lord as they planned a homegoing service on April 6 for the two. Eighty-seven-year-old Viola, the matriarch of the family, died April 1 from dementia. Her son, 67-year-old Andre, died April 2 from heart failure. “We were expecting my mother to pass, but my brother’s passing shocked us,” said Viola Carter, named after her mother.
To those who knew them, “My mother and brother were almost one in the same; both of them always made people feel good,” Carter said. Her mother would do anything for anyone. Troy’s son said, “My father was a very warm person, very inviting and talkative.”
Viola A. Robinson and her son, Andre R. Robinson. (Courtesy Photo)
They were wonderful people who had lots of friends and family members, always willing to help and loved by everyone. “My mother cooked for the world. When we were growing up she took care of the children in the neighborhood.” Carter said she would feed anyone. She fondly recalled a mother who would ring their door bell. “When we opened the door, her two children would be standing on the steps and she would be gone.” The neighbor knew they would be fed.
Carter remembered her mother as someone who provided for the body and spirit. “If she ever had a conversation with someone, short or lengthy, she prayed for that person. She also went all over the city handing out tracts.”
Andre was known as a jokester. He loved people and making them laugh. When they were growing up Carter and her brother were like Siamese twins. “We were glued together.” Everyone called her little Andre. “Everything he did, he included me; walking train tracks, climbing mountains and walking under bridges.”
She shared a couple of stories that brought her laughter about a hooptie her brother purchased and lovingly named “Old Boy” and his motorcycle. “We knew when Andre was home. You could hear that car two miles away.” And everywhere he went on the cycle he took her. “He would soar on that thing,” she remembered. “When I think about it now, I was crazy! He would speed around Hilton Parkway and yell back at me, “Lean!” We’d lean to the right. Again, “Lean!” We’d lean to the left.”
Viola and Andre were pillars of the family. She was the mother of three sons (one deceased) and two daughters. Andre was the father of two sons (one deceased) and one daughter. Losing them has created a vast hole in their hearts, but has not diminished their confidence in God’s