Celebration of a Blessed Life

Rev. Edward J. Robinson, affectionately known as "Eddie" & "Rev.," came into this world on July 24, 1934, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He was the beloved son of the late Anna Belle Robinson Thomas and the late Sylvester Alexander. Rev. Edward Robinson was blessed with a bonus family, his parents, the late Mr. Herbert (PaPa) Simons and Hattie Robinson-Simons of Kershaw County, South Carolina.

Rev. Edward J. Robinson departed this life on March 21, 2026. His late wife, Geraldine Robinson, preceded him in death on January 3, 2023.

He was raised in Kershaw County, South Carolina, where he was educated in the Kershaw County Public School System. After leaving Jackson High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served over 20 years. His tour of duty was served in several states and countries with his family, late ex-wife Carolyn Robinson, and three daughters. He held many duties in the U.S. Army, one of which led him to become a  beloved cook. Sergeant Robinson also served in the Korean war and the Vietnam war.

After his military retirement, he settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his mother and siblings resided. There, he met and married the late Geraldine Robinson, and was married for 48 years. In their union, they were blessed with two sons. 

He also worked at Kennywood Amusement Park and served as a crossing guard, where he enjoyed connecting with people and being a familiar, friendly presence in the community. Rev. Robinson was a born-again Christian who loved the Lord. He always sang about the goodness of the Lord and was committed to his kingdom lifestyle. Rev. Robinson was ordained as a deacon and minister at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Duquesne, PA. He later became the pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Aliquippa, PA. His current church home was The Revival Center of Pittsburgh, where he was known as “POPS.”

He loved people and was a hard worker. He also loved music, dancing, wearing his suits and hats , and cooking. He was famous for his sweet potato pies, rice pilaf, and many other dishes. His love for cooking led him to open his own business, a carry-out restaurant in Duquesne, PA, called “Rev's Place.”

He was preceded in death by his siblings Mae Frances Thomas, Donald Thomas, Barbara Thomas, and Debbie Thomas-Flowers; his bonus siblings Herbert Simons, Ralph Simons, Nora McCallister, Lottie Spence, Almeda Simons, Lizzy Green, JoeLouis "Squirrley" Simons, Mary Simons, Bernice Simons, Shirley Turner, John Wesley Simons, Terry Simons, and Rev. Willie Simons; and his son, Derek A. Nickoles.

Rev. Robinson is survived by his siblings Willie Thomas, Costella Powell, and Robert Thomas (Pam); his bonus siblings Hattie Carolina, Ruby Johnson, Joeretha Gibbs, and Ruth Simons; and his children Gwendolyn Thompson, Edwina Ferrara (Robert), Pamela Witcher (Rev. Melvin Sr.), and Minister Demetrius Robinson (Kara).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stevie Thompson (Sabrina), Sterlin Thompson (Ana), Adam Daniel, Nathan Daniel, Jordan Daniel, Rebecca Ziyad (Amir), Melvin Witcher Jr. (Patrice), Justin Witcher, Tayla Witcher, Shayla Stanard (Brandon), Demetrius "Lil Meach" Robinson Jr., Natala Johnson, Zaire Robinson, Demontae Robinson, Dion Germany Jr., and Trinity Robinson; a host of great-grandchildren; as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Rev. Edward J. Robinson had a testimony:

 "I know I have been changed, the angels in heaven done signed my name."