Antoinette McClain-Robinson

Antoinette  McClain-Robinson, 57, was a beloved wife, mother, sister and teacher at Burncoat High School.  She passed away to be with the Lord, Friday, May 27th 2016 with her beloved family by her side.   Antoinette was born and raised in Worcester, one of eighteen children. Antoinette is survived by her husband of 26 years,  Johnny Robinson; eight children, James and Zina Collins, Matthias Robinson, Isaiah, Luke, Quazay, Devon, and Raishawn McClain-Robinson;  her mother, Lorener  (Toney) McClain; Brothers, Walter Jr., Dwayne,  Dwyatt, Jermaine, Diago, Fuquan, Robert, Shaquelle and Chad McClain, Damien Goodney; Sisters,  Angela ‘Angel’ McClain, Sheree Holmes, Star Fields, Tammy and Little Angel McClain,  22 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  She was predeceased by her father Walter J. McClain Sr., sister Wanda McClain and brother Sean McClain.     Antoinette graduated from North High School where she was a standout Captain of the Basketball team and honored an All-City and All American player.  Antoinette worked at Central Mass Healthcare for over ten years. After leaving CMHC and while raising her children and foster children, Antoinette went back to school to finish her college degree.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Worcester State University and began her career as a teacher for Worcester Public Schools.  Antoinette continued her education, receiving a Master’s degree in Psychology from Assumption College, and post-graduate studies with Eagle Hill College and Worcester State University.      Antoinette was an AVID/English teacher, for the last eleven years at Burncoat High School.  She was loved and respected by her coworkers and her students. Her students were inspired to learn because of her dedication, availability to help, and her ‘never give up’ attitude.  She had an open door policy and always ate lunch in her classroom with her students.  She was a mentor and a second mother to many.  Many students have told her that “if it wasn’t for you I’d never have made it”, but Antoinette was humble and never took credit for God’s work.         Antoinette was an active member of John Street Baptist Church.  She was a faithful board member serving as a deaconess and assisted with the Junior Choir.  Antoinette and her husband Johnny opened their home and their hearts as foster parents to hundreds of children over the years. They were honored as Foster Parents of the Year by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Antoinette loved God, her family, and her dog, Oreo.  She also loved playing all kinds of games with her children and those in her care. She was a wonderful person and she will be missed by all.   Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Friday, June 10th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will take place, Saturday, June 11th at 9:00 am in the John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St. Worc. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the John Street Baptist Church, MLK Jr. Scholarship fund, P.O.Box 2696, Worcester Mass 01613.