Pastor Vivian Robinson

Vivian Garvin Robinson, daughter of the late Alonzo and Dessie Garvin, was born on June 6, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA.  She was also preceded in death by two of her siblings, Alonzo, Jr. and Ruby Johnson.

“Viv,” as she was affectionately called, grew up in (South Philly), Philadelphia, PA.  She was educated in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Edward W. Bok Vocational High School.

Viv met and married the love of her life, Harry Robinson (who preceded her in death), May 26, 1956.  To this union, two children were born, Harry “Bernie” Robinson (who preceded her in death) and Veronica “Ree-Ree” Robinson.

It was at Bok that Viv found her passion for sewing.  After graduating Viv went to work at a few manufacturing companies which included a children’s coat factory at 11th and Arch Street.  Then she went to work at Defense Supply Support Centre (Quartermaster), where she performed many operations as a seamstress making armed forces uniforms.  She retired at the age of 55, but her gift didn’t stop there.  She continued to be the neighborhood seamstress.  Whenever you wanted a beautiful gown; prom or wedding, or choir robe Viv was the one to call.  She was a talented, skilled, creative and gifted seamstress who could make ANY and EVERYTHING you could think of for male or female.  If you wanted a dress, suit, hat, curtains, accessories, ANYTHING, you name it, picture it, Viv could create it.

She also enjoyed training people in her craft.

Vivian grew up in the Trinity Pentecostal Church of God (Trinity Independent Church) under the leadership of the late Bishop James Patterson.  At the young age of 21, she accepted Christ and at age 23, she became a missionary, later ordained an Elder.  At Trinity she was a member of the Usher Board and Trinity Young Adult Choir.  She was famous for leading “Sweeping Through The City” and “As Long As I Got King Jesus”.  She was also President of the Youth Department for many years.

She was a devoted member of Trinity Independent Church until the Lord removed her to serve under the Ministries of The Pentecostal Churches of God at National Temple under the leadership of the late Bishop N. S. Heastie.  Elder Robinson received her calling and was called to start her own church as Founder and Pastor of Trinity Temple Pentecostal Church of God, on Mother’s Day, 1987.  Pastor Robinson’s church was a children-based church.  She gathered children from all over Philadelphia to introduce and teach the Word and Love of God.  Through the years, Pastor Robinson’s accomplishments became known.  She was called upon to travel, preach and teach the Gospel throughout the tri-state area.  Pastor Robinson was blessed with teaching about God to young people.  As a result, she developed and organized Vacation Bible School, alongside her good and trusted friend, Pastor Jessie Boykins, for the neighborhood children and families.  She was proud to have matriculated many classes. Over the years, nieces, nephews, cousins, children from all over Philadelphia learned about the Lord from Pastor Robinson.  She has achieved over 60 years of ministry in her lifetime. Her greatest legacy continues on in our lives as we fulfill the mission of her favorite scriptures:  Philippians 4:13, “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”; Psalm 37:1, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity and Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”

Pastor Robinson leaves to cherish her life and legacy:  One daughter, Veronica “Ree-Ree” Robinson; four grandchildren, Lamar Summers, Ameerah Edwards, Maurice Bowler and Tatiana Robinson, six great-grandchildren, Amore, Genesis, Imani, Eli, Wynter and Jordyn; one brother, Duarante “Darry” Garvin (Rose); one sister, Frances “Neat” Briscoe; two God-daughters, Gloria Gullette and Katrina Love; one God-Son, Trannie Cartwright and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and Fellow Clergy.