Barrett "Stokes" Robinson

Barrett “Stokes” Robinson was born on September 15, 1956, in Durant, Mississippi, to Daisey Stokes and Willie B. Montgomery. At an early age, he moved with his mother to Inkster, Michigan, where his mother married Sam Robinson, who lovingly raised Barrett as his own. 

As a teenager Barrett chose to legally take Sam’s last name, embracing a shared identity as an united family.

 

Barrett attended Robichaud High School, where he played football and graduated in January 1974. During his time there, he met Cheryl Lester, whom he married on August 23, 1975. Their 42-year union was blessed with six children: LaKena Nakia, Laiya Nashaye, Barrett Nahshon, LaRonda Navette, Brandon Navar, and Lauren Nicole.

 

Barrett dedicated his life to, Jehovah God, symbolizing his dedication by water baptism on June 2, 1974. Guided by his love for Jehovah’s principles and the lessons he learned about teamwork, he raised his children with care, discipline, and conviction.

 

Despite the demands of raising six children and fulfilling his spiritual responsibilities, Barrett ensured that his home was always open to other young ones. The door to enter was never closed, and they felt welcomed.  Many young people came to view him as a surrogate father. He offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom, “vetted” potential suitors brave enough to meet his protective gaze, walked ‘adopted’ daughters down the aisle, and had the privilege of officiating several wedding ceremonies.

 

In 1975, Barrett also began his career at the General Motors Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he worked as a boiler operator. Over the course of 34 years, he became a licensed stationary engineer, responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the plant’s boilers. He retired in 2009 when the plant closed.

 

Around 1985, Barrett was appointed as an Elder in the Inkster East Congregation. He faithfully served in that role in multiple congregations until he fell asleep in death. 

 

He continually sought to expand his service. He learned Hindi and served in Hindi-speaking congregations in both Michigan and Arizona. His spiritual journey was rich and fulfilling, including sharing the privilege of hosting international convention delegates in their family home on two occasions. He also served as a regular pioneer and attended Pioneer School.  After the passing of his first wife, Cheryl, Barrett continued faithfully on his spiritual path in Arizona in the home and congregation they had grown to love.

 

Later, he reconnected with old high school friend, Carol Allen. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they were married on January 21, 2023. Carol brought joy and laughter to his life and remained faithfully by his side until he fell asleep in death on March 1, 2026.

 

Barrett was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Daisey Robinson, and his birth father, Willie B. Montgomery; his first wife, Cheryl Robinson; his brother, Derrick Montgomery; his sister, Vanessa Montgomery; and his granddaughter, Zennia Michelle Robinson.

 

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Carol Robinson; his children, LaKena (Nathan) Marotta, Laiya (Ryan) Goulet, Barrett N. (Omri) Robinson, LaRonda (Ryan) Vaughan, Brandon (Maranda) Robinson, and Lauren Robinson; bonus children, Shareeta Swasey, Bruce Allen Jr., and Sharonda Allen; his cherished grandchildren, Arianna Marotta, Dominic Marotta, Vivienne Vaughan, Hailey Robinson, and Asa Robinson.  He is also survived by his sisters, Deneen Walmsley, Janet Vinnett, Melissa Chriss, and April Montgomery; his brothers, DeRon Robinson and Kenneth Montgomery; along with a host of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.