PROTHO ROBINSON

Protho Robinson, dedicated theologian, passed away Monday morning, at his residence, at age 94 on July 5, 2021. He was born on Apr. 7, 1927 to Ross and Savannah Robinson in the unincorporated community of Pelican, Louisiana.

He had 6 siblings; Annie, Percy, Mary Virginia, Arsby, Dewitt, and Ella. His family had roots in Bayou San Miguel, Pelican and Mansfield, Louisiana but settled in Panola County, Texas when he was around 7 years old.

His family attended church regularly in the Gary Tap and Shady Grove communities. Attending church sparked a love of reading the bible and an interest in sharing Christ’s salvation at a young age. He knew that he wanted to be a minister. He got his first opportunity to preach at a small country church, Shady Grove Baptist Church, at 17 and he never stopped.

During the Korean War, Protho was drafted and served as a cook in the US Army. He continued to preach, plan his career as a minister and study the bible until he returned to America’s shore.

Protho met Thelma Ellis while she was attending classes at Butler College. In her, he found a match. He used this time to learn from accomplished ministers and created fellowships with different denominations, while Thelma obtained an Associate’s in domestic engineering. They were married on February 11, 1957. They dedicated their lives to enriching their family, community and helping anyone who needed a hand.

In the Frazier Court Housing Projects, Thelma and Protho raised their children Ambrose, Victoria, Maria, Harah, Rena, and Edward whom they loved dearly. During their youth and into their adulthood, he worked at Methodist Hospital and at the Dallas County Criminal Courthouse as a janitor performing custodial duties.

Protho preached all over Texas. He delivered sermons regularly at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church during the 1970s and was the Reverend of Community Baptist Church for over 2 decades. He also pastored Christ Deliverance Baptist Church in South Dallas. He was well known for his funeral services. He retired from working at 69, but continued preaching any time he was given the opportunity.

He believed that there was an equal place for everyone in the church. He preached Christ’s love and forgiveness, but was also known for his powerful sermons about fire and brimstone. He preached for over 70 years and practiced his faith in every aspect of his life.

His wife, Thelma, passed away in 2012, after 55 years of marriage, love and support.

Though Protho knew loss, he also knew joy and love. Even as he battled through Covid in the hospital, he prayed with his nurses and sang Amazing Grace with them. He never stopped being thankful for each day. He loved rooting for his favorite sports teams, watching wrestling, and reading the bible. He helped raise his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was devoted to guiding his family and others to Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife Thelma,  daughters (Victoria, Maria, and Harah), sisters & brothers Annie, Percy, Mary Virginia also known as May V, Arsby, Dewitt, and Ella.

He is survived by 3 of his 6 children: Ambrose, Rena and Edward; 10 grandchildren,
16 great-grandchildren, and he has a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all love and will miss him.