Aretha Robinson

Aretha Robinson, fondly known as Aunt Retha and The Turkey, was born October 19, 1939 in Stacey, Arkansas to Henry and Asell Cloud Myles. In addition to her parents and soulmate, she is preceded in death by her son, Ronald Robinson, her brothers, Ernest Myles and Willie Myles, her sisters, Murphy Palmer and Flemmie Butler, and her granddaughter, Tamyra Greer.

Aretha gave her life to Christ at a young age. She was baptized in 1955 in Pinhook, Missouri by Reverend Bostic and joined Mount Airie. Her father-in-law to-be walked her in and her intended husband walked her out. She became a faithful member of Union Baptist Church in Pinhook for many years. Aretha served on the usher board, sang in the choir, and served the Lord proudly until the disassembly of the church. In her later years, she  attended Gateway Church of Missouri in Cape Girardeau, Missouri under the leadership of Pastors Ben and Rose Porter. She was their oldest member. She was a woman of phenomenal faith, which she made sure to pass on to her children.

On Christmas Day of 1955, Aretha was united in holy matrimony by Reverend Adams to her one true love, Jim Robinson, Jr. To their beautiful union, eight children, five boys and three girls, were born. They shared 48 years of life, love, and happiness together until he was called to be with the Lord in 2004.

She loved being a mother and a housewife. Outside of the home, she worked at Huck’s then for DAEOC Head Start. She was also a 4-H Club leader for over 40 years.

Aretha was a social butterfly. Having family and friends around brought her so much joy. Especially when they stayed a while. She loved to sing and hear her children sing. She enjoyed cooking. People will miss her delicious homecooked meals, especially her greens and cornbread.

Aunt Retha loved to shop. Her favorite stores were Fred’s and Walmart.  She was good at finding deals on the clearance rack. In her free time, she liked to fish, leaving a lot of fish without lips. She also loved to get her head scratched and watch her Westerns. Aretha was a beautiful soul that was loved by many. Her sharp tongue came with much wisdom. Her impact will be everlasting.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024 while at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Aretha went to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of  84 years, 11 months, and six days.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her sons, Donald (Lisa) Robinson of Montgomery, New York, Bernard (Flora) Robinson of Charleston, Missouri, Reginald Robinson of Sparta, Wisconsin, and David (Tracy) Robinson of Sikeston, Missouri, her daughters, Debra Robinson, Twan Robinson, and LaToya (Virgil) Robinson-Tate all of Sikeston, Missouri, her sister, Clora Williams of Gary, Indiana, 18 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. at First Church of God located at 322 North Washington in East Prairie, Missouri. Funeral services will begin immediately after the viewing at 11:00 A.M. and ending by 12:00 noon. Interment will immediately follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. The Williams Funeral Homes is responsible for all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s, The Shriners Club, The Cancer Society or the Kiwanis Club.