Obituary of Marion Robinson

Marion Lucile Robinson began her journey on August 11, 1920 in Scottsburg, VA. She was the seventh of nine children and the last surviving child born to the late Ananais and Elizabeth Ray. In Halifax County, her family was the only African-American's to own and operate a convenience store, tobacco and wheat farm, and gas station. As a young teenager, Marion accepted Jesus Christ as her lord and savior at St. James Baptist Church in Virginia. In 1941, She moved to "Sugar Hill" Harlem, New York to live with her older sister Ruth in pursuit of big city dreams where she met and was pursued by the love of her life Charles E. Robinson Roane also known as "Little Jimmy Rushin" a regular at the Audubon Ballroom where they danced the jitterbug and the lindy hop into the early morning hours. Charles fell in love with her vibrant, humorous, warm, nurturing, honest, and charismatic personality. Marion was a fashionista and exemplified the style and sophistication of a lady. She had a real flair for sewing, cooking and caring for her family. She married and was devoted to the late Charles Edward Robinson Roane on July 6, 1942 and that union blessed them with three children, Edward Leon (Deceased), Lucile Patricia and Fredrick. Charlie and Marion raised and nurtured their family in Brooklyn, New York for over 30 years; during which time, she worked during World War II supporting the troops, became a Deaconess and President of the Women's Hospitality Board at the Duryea Presbyterian Church where she devoted her life to her faith, her family and friends. Although, she was very active in her career her family always came first. She cared for her sister's Ruth, Ethel, and Lillian who preceded her in death. Marion Lucile Robinson worked for the New York City Department of Social Services for over 25 years until she retired. Her career exemplified her personality. She made a living by opening her heart and giving of herself to each family she met, and believed everyone had the potential to achieve their dreams. As the matriarch of her family she was a shining example to her daughter and granddaughters. She instilled in her family that loyalty, trust and true friendship were rare qualities in a person. She lived by example, not many people can say that they have had the same best friend for over 55 years. Marion Robinson and Evelyn Sutton's friendship withstood the true test of time. Marion also believed in equality for women and became an activist for women's rights. She attended and organized meetings to help educate women and participated in the March on Washington to hear the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marion believed that women could be career oriented, great homemakers and mothers. Marion shared a special relationship with her family. She traveled the world with them, spending her 90th birthday cruising on the Oasis of the Seas and camping upstate into her late 80's. She loved visiting the Caribbean and South America. Marion spent time driving across country stopping at most of the nations monuments, visited Hawaii on a "girls" trip and toured Canada and Alaska with her friends and family. Marion was looking forward to her trip, which was planned for Disney World to see her granddaughter get married. Marion Lucile Robinson leaves to carry on and cherish her legacy five grandchildren Dametra Lucile and Felecia Jasmine daughters of Lucile and Franklin Lewis; Laresse Virginia, daughter of Fredrick Robinson Roane and Lillian McGee, Zayed Shakima and Zinobia Sade daughters of Fredrick and Bernadette Robinson Roane. Four great - grandsons Darius Ari son of Dametra Lewis, Jaire son of Zayed Robinson, Dylan Charles son of Felecia Lewis, and Liam Ananias son of Laresse Roane. Nephews James, Henry, Marlon, Ray, Steven, Melvin and Anthony; two nieces Ernestine and Juanita, Chewbacca "Chewy", her loving and devoted pet, great nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends. On Friday, November 16, 2012, surrounded by her family, our Lord and Savior called Marion Lucile Robinson home to glory at the age of 92. She has begun her journey again. We find comfort knowing that her beloved Charlie was waiting for her as she danced through the gates of heaven.