Bishop David L. Robinson

It is with sincere sympathy that Gatlin Mortuary, Inc. announces the passing of Bishop David L. Robinson, of Valdosta, Georgia.

“In the Garden”

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

David Lester Robinson was born to the late Wallace Robinson, Jr. and the late Hattie Mae McBurrough Robinson in Hahira, GA, on January 24, 1947. He was raised in a family that taught hard work, dedication, and most importantly, the love of Christ. David was a precocious child and his love of learning stayed with him throughout life. He graduated from Pinevale High School, located in Valdosta, GA, in 1965. He then attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia until he was drafted into the United States Army. David served his country well, completing tours in Vietnam and in the Philippines. He earned the rank of Master Sergeant and transitioned to serving as a member of the Army Reserve until his retirement. Upon returning to the United States, David joined the police academy and served with the Valdosta Police Department for many years. After his retirement from the police department, David worked as an insurance agent for the remainder of his life. David felt a calling on his life and became a minister. He preached his trial sermon at St. Phillip AME Church in 1991. He has pastored various churches in the South Georgia and North Florida regions, ascending to the title of Bishop in the IAME Church. He also served as president of the Valdosta/Lowndes chapter of the NAACP for a time. Of all the titles that David held, “father” was the one he was most proud of.

Heeding The Master’s final call, David went home to his eternal resting place. He leaves to mourn his passing: sister, Mary (Charles) Thomas of Valdosta, GA; sister, Betty (Charles) Gosier of Valdosta, GA; brother, Min. Alvin (Brenda) Robinson of Valdosta, GA; children: his Angel, Sholonda (Michael) Gaines of Valdosta, GA, whom he shares with dear friend Lela Westbrook of Cordele, GA; esteemed son Dr. Corey Robinson of Centreville, VA; his Princess, Shameaka (Christopher, Sr.) Butler of San Diego, CA; his Sweetheart, Saundra (Spencer) Eldridge of Valdosta, GA, whom he shares with Patricia Johnson of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren: Deontae (Nyesha) Robinson of Cordele, GA, Devosié (Mariya) Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; Adaisha (Leon) Christopher of Valdosta, GA; Jakeria Ray of Valdosta, GA; Carissa Robinson of Hanover, MD; Christopher, Jr. and Christionna Butler of San Diego, CA; Alannah, Ahmad, and Amari Eldridge of Valdosta, GA; great grandchildren: Reginae, Deyonna, and Deontae Robinson, Jr. of Cordele GA; Majesty and Reign Christopher, of Valdosta, GA; uncle, James (Essie) McBurrough of Valdosta, GA; aunt, Dorothy (the late Ulysses, Sr.) McBurrough, and also a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed by many and cherished in memory.

Services are entrusted into the care of Mr. James Gatlin, Sr., and the caring and experienced professionals at Gatlin Mortuary, Inc. “The Name You Can Trust”

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