Jesse J. Robinson

Jesse J. Robinson was born Oct. 25, 1927 to the late Mr. Barney Robinson and Mrs. Mattie Files Robinson.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Union Missionary Baptist Church. Jesse was a faithful member and served as a Sunday School teacher and as a member of the Deacon's Board.

Jesse was married to the late Ruthie Simon Robinson for more than 60 years. His devoted wife, one great- grandson, Kyler Robinson, four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Jesse lived an amazingly rewarding life. He was the first Black elected to the Clarke County Commission. He was elected on Nov. 4, 1981 and served for 16 years. He was an extremely strong, brave, dedicated politician and civic leader in both state and local government. He was particularly active in the civil rights movement. Through the years he has been affiliated with the Clarke County Voters League, the Clarke County Chapter of the Alabama Democratic Conference, and the founder and chairman of the Clarke County Community Development Corporation. He was pivotal in several initiatives in Jackson, including the Senior Citizens Center and Harper Head Start Program. He was active in helping to create the 5th District to the Commission and Rural Transportation, he completed the Gainestown Boat Landing, assisted on the Jackson Boat Landing, the dialysis center and Teledyne - Brown. He secured donations for the public library and the CCARC. Jesse was co-owner of Midway Grocery and owner of Midway Construction. He was also a World War II veteran, where he served as fire chief in Tokyo, Japan.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Patricia (Bobby) Palmore and Angela (Jamestican) Parham; three sons, Ray (Patricia) Robinson, Glynn (Regina) Robinson and Rory (Sharon) Robinson; 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Marshall; one brother, Lloyd Marvin (Rose) Robinson; with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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