Darrell E. Robbins

Darrell Edwin Robbins, 66, of Hampton, Virginia passed away on September 27, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born on October 28, 1956, in Newport News, Virginia to Earl and Mary Robbins.  He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Darrell is survived by his mother, Mary D. Robbins, his brother Earl H. Robbins, Jr. (Olivia) and sisters, Constance Clarke and Karen Graham and uncles, Ernest Davis and Harold Davis (Gladys). He was the uncle to Dwaine Robbins, Darian Robbins, Jabari Graham (Rashidah), and Danielle Robbins-Chukwumah (Chidozie).  He is also survived  by cousins, grand nieces, grand nephews, The Oakland Avenue family, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl H. Robbins, Sr. 

Darrell attended Newsome Park and R. R. Moton Elementary schools for his primary education and graduated from Kecoughtan High School in 1974. He continued his studies at Morehouse College and graduated in 1978 with a BA degree in English and a minor in Mass Communications.

He began his radio career as a high school senior with WGH radio station under the mentorship of Dick Lamb reporting the high school news on Saturday mornings. His love for communication continued as he worked for WAGA Channel 5 in Atlanta, Georgia and later at Storer Cable Company in Charleston.  Many heard Darrell’s voice as Jabari A when he co-hosted The Roots Musik Karamu with Osei Chandler on SC Public Radio Station 89.3. Most recently, he broadcasted on Kinetic Hi Fi, the first streaming radio station in Charleston.  There he was known as JahbariA where he was the host of Roots N Progress, a radio talk show and programmed Old School Music.

Darrell had an excellent ear for music and played songs he heard on the piano.  He used his musical talents by playing in the band (NT Express) and singing in the traveling Morehouse Glee Club. He used his musical knowledge to challenge the singing of traditional hymns in his home church, St. Paul, by incorporating more contemporary gospel music. Whenever he returned home, he would lend his talents and sing with the Male Chorus for Men’s Day.

A new career began when he joined the team at Books, Herbs & Spices, a Black owned herbal store. Because of his extensive knowledge of herbs, he was sort after by many customers. He remained at Books, Herbs & Spices until the store expanded and moved. The experiences he gained at Books, Herbs & Spices made it a natural move to Whole Foods.

Throughout his career at Whole Foods, Darrell fostered a holistic approach to wellness. His last position, he served as Team Leader for Whole Body team at the Mount Pleasant Store in Charleston. He and his team produced records sales in their geographical region. He was well respected by his store teams. 

If you spent some time with Darrell, you knew he was an avid SCRABBLE player.  He traveled with his own SCRABBLE Board (top of the line) complete with ivory tiles. He knew all the words in the SCRABBLE DICTIONARY; especially the two (2) letter words. When Darrell lost a game, he would make you play until he beat you even if it was 3 o’clock in the morning.

Darrell’s main mode of transportation was the train. He knew how to navigate the Amtrak system. You never knew when he might show up on your doorstep. He always had a bag goodies and surprises.

Darrell found solace and inspiration through his faith. He worshiped at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Newport News, VA and Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charlestown, South Carolina.

Darrell will be remembered as a kindhearted individual who touched the lives of those around him. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, co-workers and the community at large.

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