The Untold Story of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Ray Charles’ Second Wife

9 minutes read

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is a name many people know because she was the second wife of music legend Ray Charles. But her life story is much bigger than her marriage. She went through hard times, big changes, and many life lessons that shaped who she became. Her journey is simple, real, and full of quiet strength.

In this article, we will walk through her early days, her childhood, her singing career, and how she met Ray Charles. Each part of her story shows how strong she was, even when life was not easy. You will learn many things about her that most people never hear about. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, also known as Bea, is best known as the woman who stood beside Ray Charles for more than twenty years. Many people only know her as his wife, but her own life story is full of courage, hard work, and strong moments. She lived a simple life and never tried to be famous.

She was a gospel singer before she met Ray. She had a beautiful voice and a strong love for music. Even though she later stepped away from singing, music played a big part in shaping her early years and her dreams. It also led her to the life-changing moment where she would meet Ray Charles.

Most people do not know that Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lived a very private life. She did not enjoy the spotlight and always stayed away from attention. This quiet and simple way of living became one of her strongest qualities, even during her marriage to a world-famous star.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Early Life

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in the late 1920s, but different sources report different years. What we know for sure is that she grew up in a small town in Texas with very simple living conditions. Her home was on a farm, and life there was slow, calm, and full of daily chores.

Her parents were never married, and she was raised mostly by her grandmother and her uncle. They lived on ten acres of land where they grew crops like peanuts, corn, potatoes, and cotton. They also had animals like chickens and ducks. Even though the family did not have much money, they always had enough food, and they lived with love and support.

She went to school until the fourth grade. Life was simple at first, but things changed when she moved to Houston to live with her mother. This new chapter became much harder for her, and it pushed her to find strength at a young age.

Meet Della’s Family

Growing up, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson did not have a father figure in her life. Her parents separated shortly after her birth, and this left her with questions and feelings that stayed with her for years. Even though she knew who her father was, he was never an active part of her childhood.

But she was not alone. Her grandmother, Mama Lee, and her uncle George were like her main family. They were kind, loving, and protective. They taught her how to work on the farm, how to care for animals, and how to help with daily tasks. These small lessons helped her grow into a strong and independent woman.

Her childhood home was small, just one bedroom. But the warmth inside it made her feel safe. Even though life was not easy, she learned the value of hard work, respect, and staying humble. These traits later helped her survive many difficult moments in her adult life.

How Della Started Singing

Singing became a bright spot in Della’s life. She joined a gospel group as a teenager, and this group often performed at small churches. Singing helped her forget her problems and feel free for a moment. Her voice was strong and filled with emotion, which made people notice her.

Her group was discovered by a gospel leader named Cecil Shaw. He helped them rehearse, improve, and perform in front of bigger crowds. Soon, they were singing on the radio and at well-known churches. They even got a small recording deal, and Della’s face appeared on some of their CDs.

Gospel music gave Della Beatrice Howard Robinson hope and confidence. It made her believe she could build a better life. Even though she later gave up her singing career to focus on her family, these early music years shaped her deeply and opened the door to her future.

Della’s Life Before Ray Charles

Before meeting Ray Charles, Della went through two marriages that brought her much pain. Her first husband was a minister’s son. At first, she hoped for a peaceful home, but he became abusive. She tried to stay strong, but the situation became unbearable, so she left for her own safety.

Her second marriage was even worse. Her husband was violent, and she lived in fear. She finally reached a point where she had no choice but to run away. She moved to New York to escape the abuse and rebuild her life. These painful experiences made her careful and slow to trust new people.

These early marriages left deep marks on Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. They taught her to be cautious, and they made her stronger. This emotional background explains why she was unsure when she first met Ray Charles, even though their meeting would change her life forever.

How Della Met Ray Charles

Della’s life changed in 1954 when Ray Charles heard her singing a gospel song called “Pray On, My Child” on the radio. He was moved by her voice and wanted to meet her. They finally met in Houston, but Della did not expect anything special to happen between them.

At first, she did not want a relationship with Ray. After everything she had lived through, she did not trust men easily. She also knew Ray lived a fast life, filled with travel, late nights, and many temptations. She felt their worlds were too different.

But Ray kept trying. He visited often and even rented a house near hers. His efforts slowly touched her heart, and she started to see a different side of him. Their connection grew step by step, and soon their simple friendship became something deeper.

Della’s Marriage to Ray Charles

As their bond grew, Della became pregnant. This brought both fear and hope into her life. Ray was happy and wanted to build a life with her. Together, they moved to a new home in South Dallas, where they tried to create a calm and loving space.

They got married on April 5, 1955. Their wedding was simple and private, but it was a strong beginning for their new life. Even though Ray was becoming a rising star, Della tried to keep their home peaceful and steady.

In these early years, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson felt hopeful. She believed she had finally found a partner who cared for her. She supported Ray as his career grew, and she tried to build a warm family around him. These years were full of promise, but challenges were waiting ahead — which we will explore in the second half of this article.

Their Children and Family Life

After their wedding, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson focused on building a loving home for their growing family. Their first son, Ray Jr., was born just one month after the marriage. Della tried her best to make their home warm and safe, even while Ray’s career was getting bigger. She wanted her children to grow up feeling loved and protected.

A few years later, they welcomed their second son, David, and then their third son, Robert. With three young boys in the house, life became very busy. Della handled most of the daily tasks because Ray traveled often for shows. She cooked, cleaned, and cared for the boys while trying to keep everything in order.

Even though life was not easy, Della stayed strong. She tried to give her children a steady life, something she never had when she was young. Her boys grew up seeing their mother work hard every single day, and this became one of the most important lessons she gave them..

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Got Divorce

In 1976, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson decided to file for divorce. After all the pain and broken trust, she knew she needed to choose peace for herself and her children. The divorce was finalized in 1977, ending their long 22-year marriage. It was not an easy decision, but it was the best one for her future.

The settlement gave Della the Southridge home, financial support, and a trust fund for the children. She also received $4,000 per month in child support, which helped her raise the boys on her own. This money allowed her to build a stable life after years of stress and uncertainty.

Even though the marriage ended, Della made sure her children stayed close to their father. She did not want them to grow up with bitterness or anger. Her goal was always to protect them and to give them a peaceful childhood, even if she and Ray were no longer together.

Della’s Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson stepped away from the spotlight completely. She did not attend events, give interviews, or share anything publicly. She simply wanted a quiet life, far from the noise that came with Ray’s fame. Many people respected her choice, because she always valued peace over attention.

Reports from 2010 said she was living in Riverside County, California. But after that, no new information has come out. She does not use social media, and there are no recent photos of her anywhere. She has chosen to live her life privately, and she has stayed true to that promise.

Because she keeps everything private, no one knows her exact situation today. Some people say she is still alive, but nothing has been confirmed. What we do know is that she always preferred a simple life, and she likely continued living that way after leaving the spotlight.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth

Many people wonder how much Della Beatrice Howard Robinson earned after her marriage ended. Most reports say she has a net worth of around $15 million. This amount mainly came from her divorce settlement, which included money, a home, and long-term child support.

Ray Charles was very successful, with a net worth of about $75 million at the time of his death in 2004. Because Della was with him during his early and middle career years, the divorce settlement helped her build a stable life after everything she went through. It also gave security to her children.

Her money allowed her to live quietly and comfortably. She never tried to start a public career or return to the spotlight. Instead, she focused on her family and her own peace. Her financial stability helped her enjoy the private life she always wanted.

Final Thoughts

The story of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is a quiet but powerful one. She lived through pain, love, loss, and growth. She supported a music legend, raised three sons, and survived many difficult moments. Her life teaches us that strength does not always come from being loud or seen — sometimes it comes from staying calm and standing firm.

Today, her life remains private, and maybe that is exactly how she wants it. She always valued peace, family, and simple living. Her story reminds us that every person beside a famous name has a life of their own, full of dreams, struggles, and victories.

As we look back at her journey, we see a woman who faced life with quiet courage. She may not be in the spotlight, but her story will always matter. And that is why people still feel curious and inspired by her even today.

(FAQs)

How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?

Most sources say she was born in the late 1920s, either 1928 or 1929. This means Della Beatrice Howard Robinson would be in her mid-90s today.

Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?

There has been no news of her passing, and she is believed to be alive. But she lives a very private life, so no recent updates or photos are available.