On Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 3:35 p.m., Elisha Dortch “E.D.” Robinson entered into his eternal home surrounded by his family and friends at the age of 88. E.D. was preceded in death by his parents, Elisha Dortch and Rosa Whaley Robinson, a brother, Mosely “Mose” Robinson, an infant sister, his special aunt and uncle, William and Annie Whaley and cousin, Leroy Whaley.

He is survived by his beautiful wife of 66 years, Tessie Mae Howard Robinson and children, Donald Glenn Robinson (Kay); Darnell Robinson Jones (Jack); Michael Dean Robinson (Vickie); ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild and special friend, Pat Whaley.

E.D. was a VERY caring, generous, christian man who loved his family and community with all his heart!  When E.D. and Tessie got married in 1952, E.D. worked at the Dainty Maid Bakery as plant supervisor making $80 a week. He quickly realized that his love and future was back on the farm, thanks to the influence of his Uncle William who was E.D.’s father figure and mentor since E.D.’s father passed away when he was only four years old. E.D. spent the majority of his life working as a farmer in the Pleasant Hill community with Tessie right by his side. In 1990, he and Tessie decided to retire from farming and from that time to present, E.D. spent his time serving others through his community and church involvement.

E.D. LOVED his Lord, Jesus Christ and loved doing HIS work! That was oh, so evident through his involvement and I would dare say his ministry, through his community service. E.D. was an active member of the Southwood Ruritan Club for many years where he organized and assisted with benefits and fundraisers. He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Masonic Lodge #304 where he was a Master Mason and served as Chaplain for many years. E.D. also held honorary memberships at several other masonic lodges. He loved this brotherhood and the values it represented and the people it served.

E.D. LOVED Pleasant Hill Christian Church (PHCC) and all who attended! Over the fifty plus years of attending PHCC, E.D. served in almost every capacity possible. He served as a trustee, chairman of the board, treasurer, elder, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and served on numerous committees. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who has given more of himself so selflessly to his family, community and church. If you had the pleasure of knowing E.D. Robinson, you knew LOVE! You probably received a heartfelt, hand written card, maybe you received a phone call where that voice on the other end would say, “Has anyone told you that they love you today?” or maybe you were hand delivered a fruit basket. This was E.D. and he made an impressionable mark on everyone he met!

The family would like to thank all who have shown so many wonderful acts of kindness through prayers, cards, calls and visits. You will never know how much your thoughtfulness has meant. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the following: PHCC Memorial Fund attention Pat Whaley at 364 Vine Swamp Road, Kinston, NC 28504; The Pleasant Hill Masonic Lodge #304 as funds go to the Oxford Orphanage; or The Lenoir County SPCA, 2455 Road Ext, Kinston, NC 28504.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Howard-Carter Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Christian Church with Reverend Lynn Maxwell officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites following at the PHCC Cemetery.