Evelyn Robinson

Evelyn Theresa Sanderson Robinson, the youngest daughter of Ethel Serena Lewis, was born on September 19, 1924 in Cartersville, Virginia. She was lovingly raised by her grandparents, (Deacon) Kemper and Lucy Sanderson. Her walk with the Lord began at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Cartersville, VA where her grandparents were faithful members.

As a child, Evelyn was mischievous, full of wonder and joy. She embraced life with a sparkle in her eyes. After her elementary years at Turkey Cock School (historical) in Cumberland County, Virginia, her teachers Castor and Lorraine Cobbs invited Evelyn to move and live with them in Huntington, West Virginia. Papa and Mama Cobbs nurtured her spirit even as they welcomed their daughter, Margie Ann. Evelyn flourished and enjoyed her secondary school years especially being a majorette. She graduated from Douglass Junior and Senior High School (historic school opened in 1924.)

In 1942, Evelyn moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to join her grandmother, Lucy, Aunt Laura, and sister, Virginia. Evelyn worked in support of the war effort and to help support her family.

Evelyn's outgoing personality attracted many cherished and lifelong friends. One of her friends, arranged a blind date for Evelyn and another friend, Roderick. On April 3, 1948, Evelyn and Roderick Robinson, Jr. were joined in marriage under the pastoral care of Reverend John C. Hairston at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church where they served as members. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Darlene Lynn and Roderick III (Rick). Evelyn was a homemaker who was famous for making Rod's favorite lemon meringue pie. Evelyn began working for Pittsburgh Public Schools when Darlene and Rick went to college. She would often say that she worked just so that she could pay the long distance phone bills. Evelyn retired in 1989.

As proud as Evelyn was of her children, she loved her grandchildren just as much, Jafari, Akilah, Robin, Kaylee, Roderick IV, Whitney, Traceton, Jalen, and Chase. Evelyn cherished being the great-granny to Jason, Caleb, Trey Christopher, Kassandra, and Marcus.

Cherishing her memory and legacy are her children Dr. Darlene Currie (Brewel) and LTC (Ret.) Roderick Robinson III, sisters-in-law, Rebecca Hairston and Dorothy Walker, grandchildren, great-grandchildren nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.