Arcillar M. Robinson

The Reason We Celebrate

Arcillar M. Robinson, 84, who resided in South Bend, Indiana, entered into eternal rest peacefully at 9:15 a.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2019, surrounded by family, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Arcillar was born on February 27, 1935 in Homer, Louisiana, to Lee Terry Sr. and Sillar (Tatum) Johnson [both parents preceded her in death]. She attended school in Homer, Louisiana, and Shonyo in Dell, Arkansas where she ran track and held several records. While in Dell, Arkansas she met and married the love of her life, Jesse James Robinson Jr., and to their union a son, Ben Robinson Sr., was born.

The family relocated to South Bend, Indiana, on Mother's Day, in 1960, coming from "The Field", going to "The Factory,” where she continued her education and was employed by several employers, retiring from Holiday Inn in 1991 after 17 years of service.

Arcillar accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. She recalls life in Blytheville, Arkansas, where at the age of 8 she began singing with her sisters and brothers in their father’s group, known as "The Johnsonettes." She joined Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, South Bend, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Henry L. Giden Sr. [now deceased]. She was a member of several gospel groups including the Jericho Singers, the Glory Travelers, and was the founder of the Evening Doves. She was currently a member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, South Bend, Indiana, under the leadership of Pastor Barry C. Spencer where she faithfully served on the Mother’s Board and was a member of the choir until her passing.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only son, Ben Robinson Sr. of South Bend, Indiana; her grandchildren: Kelsey Parker of Seattle, Washington, Tanika LaShelle Robinson, Ben Robinson Jr., and Jessica Lynn Robinson of South Bend, Indiana; special niece, Barbara J. Williams, of South Bend, Indiana; 13 great grand-children and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, greats and great-greats bridging five generations; sisters-in-law, friends, family and church family.

Arcillar was preceded in death by both parents; a stepmother, Seola Johnson; brothers: Corrodell Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Lee Terry Johnson Jr., and Oprather Johnson; and sisters: Essie Lee Furlowgh, Willie Lee Gathright, and Beatrice Louise Jones; and a grandson, Anthony A. Robinson.

Arcillar met no stranger and she opened the doors of her home to anyone in need.  To know her was to lover her.  If you asked if she needed anything she would say, “just bring me a Dr. Pepper”.  She will be greatly missed.

Burial will take place at Mount Pleasant. 

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