Julia Louise (McFarland) Robinson

Julia Louise (McFarland) Robinson was born on April 6, 1936; she departed this life on Monday, March 11th. She was born to the late Velma Jackson and Arthur Wyckoff in Gadsden, AL and raised by her late uncle and aunt Rev. John and Elnora McFarland. She was educated in the Tennessee school system.

Julia received Christ at an early age and served him in many capacities. She was a Sunday School Teacher, a Sunday School Superintendent, and gifted Soloist. Julia was a Missionary, and worked for the Lord whole-heartedly. She, with her husband, the late Alphonso Robinson Sr., were instrumental in establishing many churches in their lifetime. She was stern, sincere, and not afraid of other’s feelings when compelled to speak truth. 

Julia was truly an amazing and God-fearing woman she began singing at the age of two-years-old, performing in all-white churches in the segregated south. She became known for her angelic voice and earned the nickname “Little Mahalia Jackson”, fashioned after the famous gospel singer of the same name. She and her husband were the first musical guests to appear on the local Rhode Island Sunday morning TV program called “Soul Village.”

A few years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Julia suffered kidney failure and in the face of such adversity she firmly held on to God’s unchanging hand. Julia was an inspiration to those around her. She remained a faithful and diligent member of the church despite her illness. She continued to serve as Missionary and Church Mother at First Born Church of Christ.

Julia was an entrepreneur and hairdresser by trade. She had her own business in Newport, RI during the sixties called Cinderella’s House of Beauty, which she owned and operated for many years. Later in life she had various jobs, the last of which before retirement was with Swarovski Jewelry where she was a stone-setter. During her tenure, she convinced Human Resources to start a GED program where she and some of her co-workers received their diplomas

Before her passing Julia was going to be honored by her church community, as a Living Legend. She was elated and felt blessed that she would be receiving such an award (Julia’s daughter will be receiving it posthumously on her behalf).

Julia and her beloved husband, Alphonso, were married 59 years and to their union five children were born. Julia loved her family, especially the 5th generation.

She leaves to mourn her memory: Her children; Cheryl Robinson-Roberts (Kevin), Julian, and Nathaniel Robinson, and son-in-law Johnnie Kimbrough. Her siblings; (2) Sisters; Annie McFarland (Sam) and Bonnie McCormick (David). (7) Sister-in-laws; Barbara Jean Robinson, Ruth Ann Threats, Ethea Mae Patton, Charlene Swepson, Matilda Gaines, Pastor Carolyn Silva, Pastor Shirley Robinson, (1) Brother-in-law; Bishop Arnold Robinson. Her Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren; Kyra, Craig, Toya, Petrina, Johnny, Tiandra ,Leanne, Julian, Frank, Terrance, Marvin, Kevin, Jordan ,Jowell, Anthony, Joseph, Trevor, Jamil, Mecca, Yasibel, Aaliyah, Craig Jr., Tirrell, Olivia, Kay’lise, Gabriela, Da’naysha, Ta’naze, Mariah, McKenzie, Ny’Anna, Avayah, Aiden, Skylar, Noah. God-Children, and Spiritual Daughters; Sophilia Brown-Adeoye, Yualanda King, and Walter Swepson Jr., Gail Baker, and Lila St. Claire. An appreciated, special niece; Deborah Brown.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by: (daughter) Althea Kimbrough, (son) Alphonso Jr., (sister) Ruth Johns, and (brothers) Ishmond and L.V. Jackson.

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