HOLLINGSWORTH, ROBERT LEE III, (AGE 34) OF COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

On October 3, 1987, a crisp autumn Sabbath day, Robert Lee Hollingsworth, III, was born to Robert Lee Hollingworth, Jr. and Crystal D. Bogans Hollingsworth. "Lil' Robert" is what he was nicknamed by most people, but his Aunt Paris lovingly called him the "Gerber Baby."

Robert was a fearless toddler, who was not at all intimidated by the dark. He did not require a night light. One evening when Mom and Dad were provided a much-needed break by Roberts' godparents, the caretakers were stunned to hear a ruckus coming from the rear of the apartment. Believing that Lil Robert was asleep, they prepared to do battle with the intruder. They soon discovered Lil' Robert bounding down the hallway. He had climbed out of his crib and was making his way toward them.

Lil' Robert was an inquisitive child who was always asking questions. Once at age three, during the festive winter season while riding in the car with his parents, his attention was drawn to the many bright lights. He asked his dad why there were so many lights. His father explained that it was the Christmas season the time when Jesus' birthday is celebrated. For the remainder of the season, each time he passed houses with lights, he would sing, "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

Young Robert was brought up in the Seventh-day Adventist community. He spent many years in church school and was known as a quiet kind of guy, a deep thinker, and always a willing helper. At age six, he was joined in the household by his sister, Paris Amber Nicole. He loved his little sister dearly, until Lil' Sis began to talk and express her preferences in a way that only a little girl can. As is common among siblings, rivalry existed, yet they loved each other fiercely and had a deep respect for each other as adults. Robert appreciated and recognized Amber as the sister that all brothers should have.

As an adolescent, Robert enjoyed socializing and spending time with his three god-sisters, Shifawn, Phaedra, and Angelica (Jelly) Jones. He especially appreciated his godmother Renee's delicious meals and learned invaluable skills while working alongside Uncle Ricky in his auto mechanic shop. Robert and the Jones sisters enjoyed many hours of playing, long talks, heated debates, and watching videos.

As a growing teenager, Robert loved his mother's cooking, especially her mac and cheese and collard greens. For over ten years the family packed food and bags to fellowship with extended family at Deep Creek Lake. The long weekends were filled with cookouts, hiking, biking, and water fights.

So as not to omit the technology component, Robert enjoyed gaming with Khalil, Malachi, and Uncle George. Their favorite games were Madden, 2Kbasketball and Mario Kart. Occasionally, he would let his cousins win.

An entrepreneurial spirit always existed with young Robert. As an early teen, he had a lawn service business. However, it was not the typical lawn business run by most kids. No! He thought bigger than that. Returning home from church one Sabbath, Mom noticed one of Robert's friends pushing a mower towards their home. She expressed that the mower looked like her lawn mower. The young man replied, "No, this is Rob's lawn mower. Mom found out that Robert was leasing out the family's lawn equipment to the neighborhood kids. In return, he received 50% of their profits for the use of his equipment. Robert's business sense propelled him to his current position in energy sales through the pathway of Prince Georges' Community College. Later he attended Grand Canyon University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Master's of Science in Leadership, Business Management and Development.

During his short life, it was apparent to all who knew him that Robert had a tender heart, an intense compassion for the less fortunate, and a strong desire to see an equal and just society.

Comforted by his loving parents, sister and brother-in-law, Robert Lee Hollingsworth III, took his last breath, Friday, August 12, 2022, at 11:25 p.m. Those who have the blessed hope of seeing him at the second coming of Christ include his father, Robert Hollingsworth, Jr.; mother, Crystal Hollingsworth; sister, Paris Hollingsworth Joseph (David); grandmother, Gloris A. Bogans (George deceased); grandmother, Mary H. Hollingsworth (Robert Sr. deceased); aunts and uncles: Paris Boger; George W. Bogans (Sybil); Wilburn Hollingsworth (deceased); Ray C. Hollingsworth (Doreen); Ricardo Bullock, (deceased) (Frances); Linda Hollingsworth; Marsha K. Dillard (Earl); Anthony D. Hollingsworth (Lanetta); Norma C. Gillespie; Lisa M. Payne (Kenny); Jada J. Meriwether; Kevin T. Hollingsworth; and a host of cousins and friends.

His viewing will be held from 4:00pm until time of service 5:00pm, Sunday, August 21, 2022, First Church Seventh-Day Adventists, 810 Shepherd St., NW, Washington, DC 20011.