Verdicts Robinson

THE LIFE OF A KING Verdicts Robinson Verdicts Robinson the only child born to William and Thelma Robinson on January 25, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio departed this earthly space on May 28, 2022. Verdicts united with Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E.T. Caviness in Cleveland, Ohio. A longtime resident and contributor to Ward 8 and the Glenville community, Verdicts first home was at 10805 Garfield, and his family later moved to 610 East 102nd street where he would meet lifelong friends and the love of his life, Brenda (Jones) Robinson. Verdicts united with Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. E.T. Caviness in Cleveland, Ohio. As a child Verdicts had the entrepreneurial spirit. Maybe we can even call it a “hustlepreneur”. Verdicts was a hard worker and put his all into whatever job or task that was ahead of him. Verdicts began working at an early age, his first job was pulling a wagon, delivering groceries for customers who would shop at Fisher Foods and A&P, where he earned a mere $.25 per pull. At nine years old he was a neighborhood paper boy. His customer base was expansive, he delivered the morning Plain Dealer, evening Cleveland News, Cleveland Press and would even sell the Call & Post on the street corner. As maturity struck, he then began to seek other employment opportunities. Verdicts was a longshoreman on the docks in 1959, in 1964 he was employed at Republic Steel, until they went on strike, and he then acquired a job at Ohio Crankshaft as a machine operator. The skills learned at Crankshaft would later evolve into other entrepreneurial opportunities. In 1962, Verdicts married Ann Parker and to this union two daughters were born. In 1968, Verdicts married Brenda Jones and three children were born to this union. In 1968, as Verdicts desired to provide more financial stability for his family, he decided that it was time to become his own businessman. The first business was V&B Grocery located at 584 East 102nd Street, a family grocery store which he owned for 22 years. The business name hailed from his own name - V for Verdicts and B Brenda his wife who preceded him in death. The store was a staple in the community and was a hangout for children and adults alike. You were guaranteed to hear some great jazz tunes, play a video game, rent/watch movies, engage in some great debates, and nibble on a Polish Boy or two. Throughout the ownership of the store, he also had several other businesses not limited to but inclusive of a Car Wash in the Buckeye area, Snow Plowing business in which he had several small contracts but eventually earned the contract for the main Post Office. He exported gently used clothing and rags to Ghana, West Africa. Verdicts would frequently say, “experience is life’s best teacher”, that is why he always tried to experience as much as possible. In 1989, Verdicts began V&B Trucking and Construction. Services provided included Trackhoe, Backhoe, Bobcat & Dozer Services, Asphalt, Concrete, Sewer Work, Water Lines, Water Proofing and Excavation services. Verdicts worked on many projects throughout the City of Cleveland. The most rewarding for him was those with Habitat for Humanity. His most proud moment in the construction field was when he worked in St. John’s Village West where a Single-Family Home was named after him – “The Verdicts”. During this period of entrepreneurship, Verdicts received the Key to Ward 8, by then Councilwoman Sabra Pierce-Scott, he was so excited to be awarded this distinguished honor. Verdicts stated this distinguished honor was proof that he was in fact the “King” of Ward 8 at least. Verdicts enjoyed working, debating, and enjoying a nice cold Heineken with friends. All these activities took place at the farm, in the store, or at the yard. In the late 70’s early 80’s he would hang out at the Pulley Farm with his friends and children. The adults would engage in a “jam session” often put on by his good friend drummer Redd Holt and the Ramsey Lewis Trio, while the children would horseback ride. He loved to share his knowledge of “the streets” and his “Verdictsisms”, in which he could often be heard telling his children, these included sayings such as, “Often imitated, but never duplicated”, “A (Wo)Man that travels alone travels far.”, “A poor man cannot take a day off and relax.”, “Ain’t no time to cry, there is business to take care of.”, “You knew the game and fell on your back, now ask yourself who is the Mack?” For at least the past 10 years pre-covid, on a Sunday morning you could find Verdicts on a pew in the balcony at the Cleveland Church of Christ, Citadel of Hope under the leadership of Bishop Lincoln C. Haughton III. Verdicts would invite many to worship with him. This is an experience that he did not take lightly. Verdicts was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Robinson, parents, William and Thelma, stepbrothers, Clarence and Bill, grandsons Devante, Delvon and Deryl Jr. Verdicts Robinson is survived by his children, Thelma and Vernae Robinson (Cleveland, OH), Wendy Robinson-Green (Brookeville, Maryland), Vernise “Stormy” Robinson (Columbus, OH), Dustin “Dusty” Robinson (Cleveland, OH), 7 grandchildren, Ronqesha, Dennis, Cierea, Desmond, Desirae, Tamika, and Summer, and 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.  Memorail Service will be held, Saturday June 4, 2022 at the New Fellowship Baptist Church, 1230 Parkwood Drive, Cleveland Ohio 44108 at 11:00 am.  Where friends can meet with family one half hour before services.  If there are any question please call 216-609-9833 0r 216-451-7590

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