Bishop Robert L. Webbs, Sr., 86, transitioned on Thursday, April 20th in UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus. He is survived by his wife and spiritual partner of 66 years, First Lady Evangelist Lola B. Webbs; a son, Pastor Robert L. Webbs, Jr. and his wife, Jacqueline of Worcester, two daughters, Sheryl Yolanda Webbs of Paxton, and Robin M. Montalvo and her husband, Rafael of Worcester; four grandchildren, Robert III, Chrysta, Corynne, and Jordan; and two great grandchildren, Estil and Javier. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jessie Mae Nimmer, James Wells, and Gladys Trotter.

He was born in Oakridge, Louisiana the son of the late Timothy J. Wells and Lula B. Williams and moved to Springfield, MA in 1953 during the Great Migration. Bishop Webbs was a third-generation, and life-long member of the Church of God in Christ. Bishop Webbs’ spiritual life began in May of 1954, when he was baptized with the Holy Spirit. In June of 1954, God called Bishop Webbs to preach. In 1956, Bishop Webbs married First Lady, Evangelist Lola B. Webbs. He was licensed as a minister in 1957, and ordained as an elder in 1958, under the late Bishop Bryant Robinson, Sr., Prelate of the former Western Jurisdiction of Massachusetts, were he worked faithfully and diligently for many years. Bishop Webbs served this country when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958. Bishop Webbs first started to be known as a church pioneer in 1965, when he founded Mt. Sinai Church of God In Christ in Worcester, MA, the second largest city in the state. Previously, no COGIC church had existed in Worcester for 10 to 15 years. Today, Mt. Sinai is still on record as being the oldest and first successful COGIC church in Worcester. In 1978, Bishop Webbs founded Mt. Sinai COGIC-2 in Framingham, MA; once again, establishing a church where no other COGIC church had existed.

Bishop Webbs currently holds membership with the Black Ministers Alliance of Worcester and the council of churches for the Worcester area. He also served as a member of the NAACP Worcester Chapter. Throughout his ministry, Bishop Webbs has mentored, encouraged, nurtured, and inspired a new generation of COGIC pioneers. His charge in spreading the gospel can be seen through his commitment in community outreach through supporting local shelters, providing community breakfast, annual cookouts, and creating academic scholarships for those in need to mention a few. His love for winning souls has touched the lives of many throughout his lifetime of service. He has made an impact for the Kingdom of God that will continue for generations.

Bishop Webb enjoyed fishing but most importantly spending time with his family and friends.

Services for Bishop Webb will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in Grace Christian Center, 126 Elm Street. His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 5th beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Grace Christian Center, 126 Elm Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester is assisting the family with arrangements.