I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. - II Timothy 4:7 KJV

Celia Gourdine Robinson was born on January 28, 1921, in St. Stephen, South Carolina. She was the third of seven children born to the Christian parentage of the late Abraham and Estelle Addison McKelvey. She was affectionately known as "E" or "Eilee" to her family.

Celia met and married the first love of her life Henry "Preacher" Gourdine. To this union, one son was born, Sammie Alphonso Gourdine. After the death of her first husband, she met and married Richard Robinson.

Celia worked untiringly night and day to become an entrepreneur, establishing Celia's Country Club. In the later years, it was known as Celia's which was later renamed Celia and Sons Seafood Restaurant. As the business thrived, word traveled throughout Berkeley County about the cooking of succulent barbecue on an open grill with Celia's special homemade sauce. She loved to cook and was known throughout the Lowcountry for the best fried fish, chicken and hamburger sandwiches. During her business ventures, Celia also established a twelve room motel providing room and board for people who came to the area to work or just needed an overnight stay. She provided a home away from home, preparing home-cooked meals daily.

Celia was a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church where she served as President of the Usher Board for many years. For years she traveled with Usher Union #2. Proclaiming Psalm 84:10, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." She would talk about God and how she would say to Him, Lord, it's just the two of us,  just you and me. For 99 years, 7 months and 2 weeks, Celia was blessed to be a part of many lives.

After a lengthy illness, she entered her new life on September 11, 2020 at her residence.

Celia leaves to cherish her precious memories: her grandchildren, Elston G. Davis (Faye), Natachia Gourdine-Tyson (Erik) and Raquel Gourdine-Neal (Keith); great-grandchildren, Ivory Mitchell (Kevin), Lonell Nichols, Jettie' Nichols, Ashford Proctor (Aaron),  Lauren Johnson, Naterrah Tyson; three-great-great-grandchildren; niece, Roslyn McKelvey who she reared as her own; two sisters, Willie Mae Sumter and Naomi McKelvey; daughter-in-law, Delores Gourdine; sister-in-law, Sulie McKelvey; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Celia is at peace in God's presence. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Henry and Richard; son, Sammie Alphonso Gourdine; nephew she reared as her own,  Jonathan McKelvey; siblings, Mary Susie Dingle, Henry McKelvey, Albertha McKelvey and Ethel Davis.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together…

There is something you must always remember.

You are braver than you believe,

Stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

But the most important thing is,

Even if we're apart…

I'll always be with you."

- A. A. Miline

Viewing will be Friday, September 18, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gethers St. Stephen Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be Saturday, September 19, 2020, 10:00 a.m., at Old Field Cemetery, St. Stephen, SC. As per CDC guidelines, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing. The graveside service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh