Robert Winborn Jr.

Robert Winborn Jr. was born on December 4, 1936 in Athens, Alabama

to Robert Winborn Sr. and Mary Tisdale. As a child, Robert worked along

with his brothers and sisters on their family farm. In doing so, the principal

of hard work was instilled in him.

Robert attended Trinity High School and continued to help his family as

a farmer. While still in Alabama, he met and had a relationship with Mae

Ella Malone. They had a daughter Geneva, who was born in 1952. In 1953,

Robert moved to Middletown, Ohio where he began work as a laborer at

ARMCO Steel Mill Company.

In 1954, Robert met and married his first wife, Margaret Fletcher. The

union produced 5 sons, Brent, Keith, Donnie, Bernard and Melvin. In 1955,

he and Margaret moved to Cleveland, Ohio. There his father-in-law Carlos

Fletcher introduced him to the field of construction work. He began work

as a bricklayer for Pyramid Builders.

In 1965, Margaret passed away preceding him in death.

In 1965, Robert met his second wife, Gloria F. (Calahan) Ross whom he

married in 1972. They soon moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Gloria had

a son, Enrico Orlando Calahan who Robert loved and adored as his own.

Due to the unfortunate passing of Enrico in 1974, Robert and Gloria

moved back to Cleveland. In 1975, the couple had a daughter Bridgett

Ruth Winborn, their only child together.

Robert continued working construction until 1981, where he had a career

ending accident on the job. This life changing event led him to become a

paraplegic and in a wheelchair.

Robert loved the Lord and was a man of faith. In the 1990s, he joined

and was a member of Greater Faith Baptist Church in Cleveland, where

he served for many years. He had many hobbies and interests, including

camping, fishing, music, baseball and football.

Robert inspired many people along his life journey. He became an example

of strength, willpower and motivation, even as his health started to fail

him. He remained positive throughout his illness and maintained a light

of hope within. That light went out on June 1,2021, when the Lord called

him home.

His parents, first wife Margaret, stepson Enrico, sister Odie Harris, and

brothers Donald and Ellis preceded him in death.

Robert is survived by his children Bridgett Winborn, Melvin Winborn,

Bernard Winborn, Donnie Winborn, Keith Winborn, Brent Winborn,

and Geneva Hicks-Woods; his twin sisters Alice Allen and Mae Shafeek

of Dayton, Ohio; many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren;

ex-wife Gloria Ross; cousin Margie Davis, along with other cousins, nieces,

nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.