Barbara Holman-Robinson, Carmichael supercentenarian, dies at 111
Barbara Holman-Robinson, a Carmichael resident whose life spanned more than a century of history, faith, and service, died this week at the age of 111.
Holman-Robinson achieved the rare distinction of becoming a supercentenarian when she celebrated her 110th birthday on July 16, 2024.
Born in Pasadena in 1914, she lived through two world wars, the Great Depression, and countless social and technological changes while remaining deeply rooted in her faith and family.
Raised in the church from an early age, Holman-Robinson’s commitment to her faith shaped much of her life. By age 16, she was playing piano for church services on weeknights, often returning home afterward to complete her schoolwork, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting.
It was through church that she met her future husband, Robert Benjamin Holman Sr., during a Southern California church convention. The two formed an immediate connection. When Holman first proposed marriage, Holman-Robinson playfully responded, “Maybe.”
The couple married in 1938 when Holman-Robinson was 24 years old and soon relocated from Southern California to Sacramento, where Holman began his ministry. He would later become pastor of Christ Temple Church, which was eventually renamed Christ Temple Apostolic Church.
Leaving Los Angeles for Sacramento was not easy for the young bride. Having never lived away from home before, Holman-Robinson later recalled crying after the move. Her husband reassured her that he was determined to make her happy, helping ease the transition to a new life in the state capital.
Their marriage endured for 58 years until Robert Holman’s death in 1996.
Throughout her long life, Holman-Robinson remained known for her devotion to her faith, her family and her church community, according to previous Bee reporting.
Charlotte Coleman, 72, first met Holman-Robinson in 1973 at Christ Temple Apostolic Church and said she remained a guiding presence in the congregation for decades.
“She really encourages people to get to know God. ... She’s a good listener,” Coleman said. “If you have a problem, she would listen to you and she would try to give you sound advice. She has always been that way and she’s still that way.”
According to Coleman, church members affectionately referred to Holman-Robinson as “Mother,” while her husband was known throughout the congregation as “Dad Holman,” “Dad” or “Elder Holman.”
She is remembered not only for reaching the extraordinary age of 111, but for a lifetime marked by faith, perseverance and service to others, according to previous Bee reporting.
Christ Temple Apostolic Church-Sacramento said her family is still arranging funeral details and did not share when the service would be.
