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Promoted to Glory
Major Johnnie (John) Grover Robinson, 83, was promoted to Glory on April 5, 2003 from the Valley View Retirement Center in Boise, Idaho.
Born September 12, 1919 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, John—as he liked to be called—grew up in South Carolina. While serving in the Marine Corps John met his future wife, Irene Lewis, and invited her to his church, The Salvation Army in Rock Hill, South Carolina. After their marriage in 1944, Irene became a soldier and soon the couple felt called to officership. They entered training in Atlanta, Georgia and in 1951 were commissioned as probationary lieutenants. For many years they served as corps officers in the Texas Division of the Southern Territory.
After transferring to the Western Territory in 1977, they served in Pocatello, Idaho and Baker City, Oregon. The Robinsons had a great love for children and became foster parents to over 27 children.
In 1983 the Robinsons retired in Baker City, Oregon. After retirement they served as interim officers in three appointments in the Central Territory. They also served with a Work and Witness team from the Baker City Church of the Nazarene, traveling to Central America to build and/or repair schools and churches.
John leaves behind five children: Elzena Robinson-Gray of Baker City, Ore. ; Eugene Farrar of Porter, Tex.; William Farrar of Pocahontas, Ark.; Rolland Farrar of Porter, Tex. and Major Martha Hudson of St. Louis, Missouri. He also leaves two sisters, Ella Mae West and Ola Bell Rich, a brother, Jimmie Robinson, 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
His wife, Irene, three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.
The funeral service took place at The Salvation Army in Baker City, Ore. with Major Daniel Hudson, John’s son-in-law from the Midland Divisional Headquarters in St. Louis, officiating.
Condolences may be sent to Major Martha Hudson, 218 Huntleigh Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122 and to Elzena Robinson-Gray, 1187 N. Liberty #820, Boise, ID 83704.
