Mr. Robert Lee Wilburn Jr.

A Time to Be Born:

On September 29, 1928, a baby boy was born to Mr. Robert Lee Wilburn Sr. and Annie Mae Mann Wilburn. After the death of his father at a very early age, his mother met and married Mr. A.G. Locke, who raised Robert from a child into his manhood. Mr. Locke was the only daddy Robert knew. Mr. Wilburn attended Gay Street Elementary School and Carver Elementary School, followed by James E. Guinn Elementary School through Jr. high. He later attended and graduated from the historic I. M. Terrell High School, Class of 1945. After graduation, Mr. Wilburn enrolled at the HBCU Prairie View A&M University. During the middle of his senior year at Prairie View, he was drafted into the United States Army. He entered the Leadership School of the Officers Training Corps (O.T.C.). Additionally, he attended the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he received certification and completed the Basic Airborne Course, qualifying as a Parachutist in July of 1951.

On September 24, 1951, Robert married his soulmate, Dorothy Mae Sharp. The two entered into holy matrimony. To this union, six children were born—two girls and four boys. Sandra Wilburn, Robert Wilburn III, Steven (Wife, Ninetta) Wilburn, Pamela Davis, Tony (Wife, Robinette) Wilburn, & Johnny (Wife, Tami) Wilburn. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, with whom he enjoyed 50 years, along with their children. Grandchildren: Curtis Jr. (Wife, Catrie), Julius, Darren, Demetrius, Brarilos, Paul (Wife, Camille), Jason, Tiffany, Shawn, Rashad, Shelby, Jasmine, Bianca, Lauryn (Husband, Myshawn) Great-Grandchildren: Jalyn, Tamia, Demetria, Di J., Maya, Davia, Traveon, Teanna, Kiein, Layla, Kylein, Kai, Armani

Special Aunt: Sadie Wilburn, age 105

He is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Wilburn Sr. and Annie Mae Mann; his stepfather, A.G. Locke; his beloved wife, Dorothy Sharp Wilburn; and his great-granddaughter, Airiana Wilkerson.

At a very early age, Robert gave his life to Christ. He served and grew up at Saint John Baptist Church under the leadership of four of the five Pastors at Saint John Church. He sang in the choir from a tot up to the Senior & Male Chorus and served under Rev. Moss and Bishop Spears as a deacon until his health started to decline. He faithfully served under Bishop Spears up until the church became First Saint John Full Gospel, as the church was named FSJG. As time went on, he became unable to attend in-person services. Robert worked in his early years at Bill Moe’s Garage, Texas Steel, Montgomery Ward, Mrs. Bread’s Bakery, the Cake and Bread Plant, Miller Mutual Insurance Company, and General Dynamics. He also worked for a while at Lockheed Martin until he was laid off. Robert retired from Miller Mutual and Bimbo Bread Cake Plant in October 1993 after 27 years of service to both jobs. He worked hard to support his wife and six children. Those Left to Cherish His Memories: Daughters: Sandra Wilburn and

Pamela Davis; Sons: Robert Wilburn III, Steven Wilburn, and wife, Ninetta Wilburn, Tony L. Wilburn and wife, Robinette Wilburn, Johnny D. Wilburn and wife, Tami Wilburn; Brother: Bill Wilburn; Niece: Darius Wilburn, Nephew: Derrick Wilburn.