Reverend Doctor Robert Frank Broughton

Reverend Dr. Robert Frank Broughton passed on November 18, 2020.  Funeral services will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2020; 11:00 AM, at New Springfield Baptist Church, 2560 Sylvan Road, East Point, Georgia 30344.  Viewing will take place on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 1:00PM - 5:00PM at the Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors Chapel.

Interment will take place immediately following the service at Kennedy Cemetery, 2500 River Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294

Robert Frank Broughton was the first child born to John Broughton, Jr. and Amelia Wright Broughton on July 22, 1937 in Morgan County, GA. He was educated in the Morgan County School System.  He furthered his educational efforts at Washington High School in Atlanta.  The oldest of seven, Robert took his position at an early age, as patriarch of the family with dignity, grace and honor and moved his family to Atlanta in December of 1958.  In 1960 he was joined in holy matrimony to the late Edna Ruth Williams. They were blessed with two children, Cynthia Elaine Broughton (Williams) and (Reverend) Milton Bernard Broughton. In 1978 he was joined in marriage to Lois Catherine Woods Norman Broughton. 

A Time for Ministry

Robert served as both Superintendent of Sunday School and was an ordained deacon at the Macedonia Baptist Church. On August 15, 1970, Deacon Broughton announced his calling into the ministry.  His initial public sermon was held in October 1970 and he was licensed to preach the Gospel of Christ. In 1970 he accepted his first pastorate position in Antioch Baptist Church in Griffin, GA. Additionally he pastored the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Jackson, GA. In 1980, he was called to pastor the New Springfield Baptist Church on Bankhead Highway in Atlanta, GA. The installation service conducted by the Reverend Cameron Madison Alexander, President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia which was held on November 16, 1980. During Rev. Broughton’s 38-year tenure, the church moved from Bankhead Highway to its present location on Sylvan Road, and a 15-year note was paid off in nine years.

A Time for Family

A devoted family man, it was not beyond Robert’s scope of duty as the patriarch to avail himself to his mother, his brother and sisters. He relocated his sister back to Atlanta from Texas so the family could provide her with medical care. He was dedicated to his children as a young single parent.  Robert’s faith was put to the test as he made parental decisions concerning Milton’s health challenges. His dedication to his loving daughter Cynthia never wavered as he supported her throughout her educational career and life’s decisions. As a grandfather, he made all his grandchildren and great grandchildren feel special, worthy, important and seen. They grew up understanding they matter. Caring for his nieces and nephews, praying for and offering opportunities.

He was a devoted husband of 42 years to Lois, from this bond fashioned a new family structure including daughter, Cassandra Norman Cox (Gregory Sr.) and son, Tommy Norman.  They enjoyed traveling to various church conventions together and he thought the sun rose and set on her. He had the privilege of licensing and ordaining into the gospel ministry, several family members including his son, Milton. The good deeds he did for others mattered significantly to him.  He was preacher, patriarch, husband, daddy/pop, brother, uncle, grandaddy, great-granddaddy, friend and Pastor Rev. Dr. Robert Frank Broughton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roy and sister Willie Pearl. His illuminating light shines on his cherished wife Lois Catherine, his children Cassandra, (Greg), Tommy, Cynthia, Milton. Grandchildren: Qwan (Katina), Greg Jr, Crystal, Kedrick (Avonda), Ashley (predeceased), Terence (Kamilah), Taylor (Kadijah), Tommy Jr, Spencer IV, Christin, Xavier and Janique. Great Grandchildren Travis, Naja, Dyemond, ShaiKwann, Simmone Decarus, Zaniya Jada, Travoris, Ceaira, Jocelyn, Kelise, Ke’Orie, Zaria, Zakaria, Valyncia, Michael and Sean. Siblings: Maggie Bennett, Mary Culbreath (Willie), Alma Rivers, and Brenda Howard (Desi). Sister-in-Law Betty Hester and Brother-in-Law Raymond (Pat). Lifelong friend Willie “Longboy” Jordan, hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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