Burnell Jerome "Hula" Robinson

Burnell Jerome “Hula” Robinson passed away peacefully on Monday evening, August 17, 2020 surrounded by his family at home. Although Burnell was his birthright name, everyone knew him as either Jerome or Hula; Hula being a nickname given to him at an early age. He was 66 years old. Burnell is a native of Houma, Louisiana, and a graduate of the 1972 Class of Vanderbilt Catholic High School. He graduated in 1978 from Xavier University of New Orleans, with a B.A. Degree in Communications. Burnell loved the city and became a resident of New Orleans with his wife, Kathy Moret Robinson. Burnell found the industry in which he would spend the next 40 years; the airline business. When Southwest made their debut in New Orleans, Burnell was the first person hired in the city. For the next 38 years, he worked for Southwest in various areas. He was well known throughout the company as being the first Southwest employee of New Orleans. In 2016, Burnell retired from Southwest. After retirement, Burnell took pleasure in gardening and sitting in his special chair in his backyard. He thoroughly enjoyed sitting on his porch listening to jazz music. Every year Burnell looked forward to vacationing on the beach with his immediate family in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Burnell is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kathy Moret Robinson. He is survived by his twin sons: Bradley (Whitley), and Brach (Ashley) and two grandchildren: Madison and Brach II. He is also survived by his siblings: Geraldine, Murle, Alfred (Carolyn), Evelyn (Claude), Jackie (Blanca), and Lawrence. Other survivors include brothers-in-law: Anthony “Errol” (Merrita), Clarence (Janie), and sister-in-law Sharon. He is preceded in death by his parents: John and Leontine Robinson of Houma; his three siblings: John, Donald, and Benjamin of Houma; and his parents-in-law; Edwina and Alexander of New Orleans. Kathy and their sons would like to thank the staff of Touro Hospital for their care and support provided. A Memorial Mass for Burnell will be held at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 5621 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 11:00 am. Due to social distancing guidelines, a mask is required to attend services. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue.