About Us

Robbins Brothers Funeral Home was established in April, 1932 in Benton Harbor, Michigan by Olive Ermin Robbins, Glennarvin Earl Robbins and Raymond Andrew Robbins.  Olive Ermin Robbins had cousins in Chicago, Illinois who had, before the turn of the century in the 1880’s, ran a Funeral Parlor.

Cursey, McGowan Morsau was the firm's name. It was one of the oldest African American funeral homes in the Chicago area. This is where Olive Ermin Robbins got the idea for her two sons to start in the mortuary business.  In 1931, the family got in their Model T or “Struggle Buggy” and cruised the Midwest and East Coast looking for a suitable place with growth potential.  This was the depression time before WWll.  They almost settled in East Orange, New Jersey when they were currently living in Battle Creek, Michigan while Glennarvin Earl Robbins, Raymond Andrew Robbins and Olive Ermin Robbins were living in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  The senior Mr. Robbins had a additional job in Battle Creek, Michigan that he worked during those depression times.

Since the family was in Benton Harbor and it was a beautiful area (with growth potential), Benton Harbor, Michigan was chosen as the place to establish Robbins Brothers Funeral Home Inc.  Both brothers later served in the Army in WWll, Glennarvin Earl Robbins (Pacific theater), Raymond Andrew Robbins (European theater). After WWII, in 1951 Raymond united in marriage with to Gertha Lee (Howell) Robbins, who came on staff.  She was also a school teacher in the Benton Harbor Area School District.  Things progressed from the 1930's to 1940's to 1950's, etc.

In 1980, their son, the late Raymond Douglas Robbins returned from Mortuary Science School, the College of Mortuary Science (Pierce Schools) in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He was the President/Owner, until his passing on October 22, 2011.

As of 2022 , Robbins Brothers Funeral Home is celebrating 90 years of service in the Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan area.

Robbins Brothers Funeral Home was acquired by the Coleman & Hicks Funeral Home and Crematory family in 2015. At Coleman & Hicks Funeral Home and Crematory, we recognize the legacy which spans more than 90 years in the funeral industry, serving Benton Harbor, Michigan and surrounding communities. We will continue to provide quality care and professional service to families who choose to entrust their loved one’s arrangements to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home and we look forward to a lasting relationship.