Clinton Lee Robinson was born August 20, 1947, to the late John Lacy and Willa Saloon Moore Robinson in Dunn, North Carolina. Affectionately called “Red” as a child, Clinton was born as the 8th of 10 children. God called him home to rest on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, after being transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital.
In 1963, while still in high school, he participated in the United States Civil Rights Movement. He was jailed for several days for participating in a “sit-in” at an establishment that refused to serve Black people at its counter. After that day he became an advocate of the call for justice and equality for African Americans.
After graduating from Harnett High School of Dunn, NC in 1965, he attended Fayetteville State College (University) for a brief period. He was drafted into the United States Army where he completed a tour in the Vietnam conflict for which he received a certificate of achievement for duties served. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the military, in 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice Newkirk. From this union, their son, Norbert Lee was born. Later, he along with his wife and son moved to New Haven, CT.
At an early age, Clinton accepted Christ in the AME church and attended Trinity AME Zion in Dunn, NC. In 1970 Clinton and his family became members of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hamden, CT where he served God by working in many capacities. Clinton was a “We Are One” Ministry Group Leader helping the Pastor identify and meet the congregation’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. He served as a chairperson of the Deacon board prior to its renaming to the Diaconate Ministry. In 2022, he was elected as chairperson of the Diaconate Ministry, which he served until his transition. He was also a member of the Faith in Action Ministry, Wellness Ministry, Joshua Generation Ministry, and Christian Education Ministry. He also served as Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Summer Camp Youth Leader.
In 1977, Clinton received a certificate from Waterbury State Technical College in Waterbury, CT for completing a Communication for Management and Business course. Because the importance of education was passed down from his parents, he went back to school. In 1979, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University (formerly “Southern Connecticut State College”) in New Haven, CT. He completed a course of study at the New Mexico Center for conflict resolution in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1991. He used his training in his volunteer work with Juvenile Matters of New Haven for several years, and during those years he was a big brother to at-risk youth.
On May 6, 1979, Clinton was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (Mu Psi Chapter). He spent many years serving as an active member of the brotherhood in New Haven (Eta Alpha Lambda) and served as chapter president. Clinton was also a member of the NAACP and served on the scholarship committee, voter registration drive, and souvenir journal for the Annual Freedom Fund Dinner. He received a Certificate of Life Membership award from the NAACP in May 1996. Clinton was a founding member of the Amistad Committee, Incorporated — a group organized to commemorate the work of the first Amistad Committee, which raised funds for the legal defense and the return voyage of freed Africans involved in the 1839 Amistad incident. He fervently served on the executive board for 45 years. Clinton served on the Peace Commission of New Haven, traveling to Russia with a nationwide delegation of peace activists. He was also the president of the Connecticut African American Historical Society. Clinton received multiple awards in his lifetime in recognition of his unwavering service including the 2002 Greater New Haven NAACP Rev. Dr. Edwin Edmonds Community Service Award, and the West Haven Black Coalition Community Service Award in 2010 and 2020.
He was employed at New Haven Manufacturing Company as a supervisor and a senior planner, Community Mediation, Inc. as a Peer Mediation Trainer, and New Haven Family Alliance, Inc. as a Case Manager. In 2013 he retired from Yale University School of Medicine as a Child Advocate for Child Development–Community Policing Program. After retirement, he continued to work as a substitute teacher in New Haven Public Schools until he transitioned.
Clinton was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was sociable and had a great sense of humor. Passionate about youth development, Clinton poured into his granddaughters, but would also often be found engaging with youth in the community and encouraging them to strive for their best. He was very active in youth programs at his church and in the community.
When he was not working, Clinton could be found listening to music and watching Westerns or debating about sports and politics. During the pandemic, he discovered his love for art and could be found coloring on his phone or doing “scratch art”. He also encouraged kids in the classroom to express themselves through drawing.
To cherish his memories he leaves his wife, Mary, son Norbert Lee, daughter in love Kelley Ph.D., and three granddaughters, Niara, Marietta, GA, Niya, and Nadia, Baltimore, MD. Godson, Byron A. Roberts, New Haven, CT. Three sisters, Willia George, Marietta, GA, Cleta Still, Triangle, VA, Elnora DeRenzo, Chester, PA. Four brothers, Willie C. Robinson Ph.D., Miami FL, Karl E. Robinson (June) Southington, CT, Lonnie Robinson (Debra), Miami Lakes, FL, Neill D. Robinson (Deborah, DNP) Miami Lakes, FL. Nine nephews, eight nieces, many grand nieces, grand nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
He is pre-deceased by two brothers, John T. Robinson and Frederick D. Robinson, and one nephew Bernard DeRenzo.
“Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NCV
A celebration of Mr. Robinson’s life and dlegacy will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.* at Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard St., New Haven. A viewing will be held at the church from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Ave., New Haven.
A scholarship has been established in Clinton Robinson’s name. Please consider contributing to this fund to support the education of New Haven youth that Clinton loved so much.
Contributions can be sent to Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church (CTBC) in Hamden, CT via check or @Givelify https://giv.li/4cr85l PLEASE INDICATE:CLINTON LEE ROBINSON Scholarship in the notes.
*The Service will be livestreamed. Please click on one of the following links to view the livestream:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/groups/2347634301/?ref=share&mibextid=zoDNOUp
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ctbc_official?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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Mary Alice and the Robinson family, I’m very sorry for the loss of your love one. I remember Clinton and his family from back in the Harnett High days. May God be with you all.
My condolences to the Robinson family….the Newkirk family and all others feeling this loss. To my sister… Mary Newkirk Robinson and my nephew… Norbert Robinson… I’m so sorry. I love you both and I love your husband, your father and my brother in-love, Clinton. RIP my brother for you will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.
Thank you so much, Thomas. I love you too!
Clinton Lee was a loving cousin with whom I grew up and admired. He possessed extraordinary qualities, attributes, and talents that will be cherished and continued as a valuable legacy.
Thank you so much, Cora for those loving kind words.
My condolences to the entire Robinson Family.
RIP Deacon Robinson you will truly be missed.
Thank you, Deacon Ford.
My sincerest condolences. I pray for the family’s sustained strength and comfort. Deacon Robinson was a genuinely kind, loving and God fearing man. His contagious smile and calm demeanor will be missed. 😍🙏🏾
Thanks, Leonora!
Praying for all May he Rest in Peace
Thanks, Anita.
Mary, so sorry to learn of the loss of your dear husband. May the dear lord wrap you and your entire family in his arms at this most difficult time.
Thanks, Helena.
To the Robinson Family and Friends
The Cagle, Bunting, Taylor, and Talley families from Dunn and Charlotte, NC. send our condolences to the Robinson family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We all remember Clinton and will miss him dearly. We pray God gives the family and friends peace and comfort.
Thank you all, families for your prayers!
Deacon Clinton Robinson was one of the first people I came into contact when I joined CTBC as he taught the church education classes we were required to attend once we got baptized. I remember thinking what a warm, wonderful, lighthearted person he was and because of that, how comfortable he made me feel. Deacon Robinson never took himself too seriously and always had a smile on his face. His passing too me completely by surprise 😔 May he rest in peace 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sister Lajeune Hollis
Thank you for those kind words about him!
I grew up with his family and is best friends with his older brother Willie, I spoke with him recently at an event. He was one of ten great people raised by some really great parents. We graduated from the same school, Harnett High School, but a few years apart. My sincere condolences to the family
From our branch of the Robinson Family to yours. We send our love and condolences. May God hold you all tight and never let go.
Michele & the boys
To the Robinson family,
May all who knew and loved Mr. Robinson find peace in the days ahead, and may your memories with him bring you comfort. Your family will be in my prayers.
With condolences,
Tracie Justus-Berry
Thank you, Tracie.
Sending prayers and condolences to the Robinson family! May God comfort all of you during this difficult time!!
Thank you for your prayers.
Rest now Clinton. I am so proud to have been one of your sisters in love. My condolences to all of our family relations united by blood and by love. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you so much, Barbara!