Obituary of Elaris Robinson, Sr.

Elaris was the last child born to Hezekiah and Katherine Lee Robinson on September 21, 1933 in Palmer Springs, VA. He attended Cotton Creek Elementary School and graduated from Wise Technical School located in Wise, NC, where he had driven the school bus and served as his Class President. Instead of becoming a farmer, Elaris chose to join the United States Army (101st Airborne); he served honorably from 1951 – 1954. When asked about his military service, Elaris would fondly share the story about how he was made an officer over his white counterparts because he clocked the fastest time when tasked to ensure that a telephone had a working dial tone once put together. In 1954, he married his childhood sweetheart, Marian Elizabeth Alexander. From this union, one child was born, Elaris Jr. “Robbie”, in 1960. Being one who always looked to work smart, Elaris took advantage of the opportunity to become an independent businessman after moving his family to Edgewood Street in Philadelphia, PA. Elaris owned and operated his own trucking business for 27+ years, taking pride in choosing what he would and would not haul. In 1970, Elaris and Marian bought land in Chesilhurst, New Jersey and with the help of skilled family and friends, they built their dream home which still stands on Arthur Avenue. Elaris continued operating his trucking business until his retirement in 1990. In addition to running his business, he and his wife Marian opened up their home and became licensed caretakers for the mentally disabled through the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities for over 20 years; Maurice, Alan, David, Coffeepot, Bill, Patrick and Ed Barr all loved “Mr. Robinson” as he did them. Elaris also worked as an independent School Bus Driver for physically handicapped children in the Borough, transporting them to Archway Program in Atco, NJ from 1990 – 1992. At the urging of Mr. Phoenix Edwards, Elaris got involved in the Chesilhurst community by serving on Borough Council and was affectionately referred to as “Robinson” by community members. For over 25 years, “Robinson” served the Borough of Chesilhurst as a member of the Chesilhurst Fire Department and as an elected official in the offices of Mayor, President of Council, Day-to-Day Operations Manager and Councilman. One of his proudest moments was when the Chesilhurst Community Center (now the Arland W. Poindexter Community Center) was constructed and dedicated in 1991. “Robinson” also worked as a Custodian at Shirley B. Foster Elementary School form 1992 – 1997 and served on the Chesilhurst Board of Education until his demise. In 1985, Elaris experienced the ultimate joy of his life when his beloved granddaughter Charde’ Monique was born to Elaris, Jr. Charde’ and her “Pop” continued their inseparable bond until his unexpected death. Having lost Marian to illness in April 2000, he was blessed to find love once again, with Lila White, “Miss Lila”, and they were wed in March 2004. Although this union did not bring children, they were blessed to have 3 great grandsons that Elaris nurtured, loved and cherished until he departed this earth. Elaris gave his life to Christ at an early age at the Robinson family church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Macon, NC. Before joining Grant A.M.E. Church in 2003, Elaris was an active member of Child Memorial Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA; he served both churches as a Trustee, Finance Committee Member and Steward. A better friend, no one could have. A more steadfast Husband, Father, Godfather, Grandfather, Brother and Brother-in-Law, you will never find. There is no child that he could not charm. You just knew that if he had a hand in it, it would all turn out well, or as he put it “All you got is your word. If you say you gone do it, do it.” We will truly miss his countenance, leadership, cool demeanor, patience, stewardship, wisdom, and most of all, his smile. These are just a few traits that defined the man and endeared him to so many people. Preceding Elaris in going Home, were: his first wife Marian; his parents Hezekiah and Katherine Lee; brothers, Charles, Howard, Joseph and George and sisters Tempie and Nellie. Elaris is survived by, his loving wife Lila; devoted son Elaris, Jr. and daughter-in-law Rosalyn; sister Anna Lee Boards; God-Daughters Barbara, Monesha, and Leslie; dedicated niece Priscilla “Peaches”; cherished Grand-Daughter Charde’ Monique; Step-Son Phillip; Step-Grandchildren Leah, Jamaal (deceased), Ahmad, Phylicia, Kiara, and Jaaleah, and “His Boys” EJ, Jamaal and Jahaad; Sister-in-Laws: Mable “Daughter” Culbreath of Philadelphia, PA, Helen Jones of Williamstown, NJ and Eunice Howell of Orange, NJ and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. “Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into my lips: therefore, God had blessed thee forever.” – Psalm 45:2 KJV