Obituary for Barbara A Robinson Born on August 3, 1932, in North Braddock, PA, she was the youngest of three children born to Norman Montgomery and Ella Alberta (Bell) Ashby, both of whom preceded her in death. Barbara was educated in the Rankin, PA Public Schools. During her school years, she was known for her lovely alto voice which was encouraged by her music teacher.
She sang solo and with various choirs. She attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN where she earned a diploma in Dental Hygiene. After earning her diploma, she taught dental hygiene at Meharry Medical College.
She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Counseling at Eastern Michigan. She met and married Dr. Emerson Robinson while in Nashville in August 1963. They moved to Chattanooga, TN in 1966 where they resided for three years.
They moved to Ann Arbor, MI in 1969. She taught dental hygiene at the University of Michigan Dental School for three years. During this time, they welcomed their daughter Marya Lynn, in 1970.
Barbara was fond of the outdoors. She loved to see the beautiful birds and flowers in her garden. She was always making sure that her “hummies,” as she called the hummingbirds, had plenty of nectar in the feeder.
She spent many hours planning and planting her flower garden over the years. Her greatest satisfaction emanated from the students and all young people that she met. She always encouraged young people to get as much education as possible.
She served as an advocate and advisor to many students at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor for several years. Barbara accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA. She joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Ann Arbor and as a member for over 40 years.
She served on the Steward Board for 25 years and was Board Secretary for 15 of those years. She sang in the Chancel Choir and was a member of the Food Ministry and the Lay Organization. She was the first Bethel member to serve as a Fourth District Delegate to the General Conference.
In 2000, Mrs. Robinson was elected as President of the Michigan Conference Lay Organization, AME Church, where she served for six years. Barbara brought the concept of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to Ann Arbor and with the assistance of Mrs. Lola Jones organized the Ann Arbor Chapter. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, Sigma Phi Alpha Honorary Dental Hygiene Society, Honorary Education Society, and was a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Order of Omega Honorary Greek-Letter Organization.
She served on the Board of The Wesley Foundation of the University of Michigan. She enjoyed researching African History and especially her family genealogy, Bible study fellowship, and she supported public radio and television and kept abreast of politics. She was a member of Smithsonian Institute and was a charter member of the African American Museum.
In addition, she organized the Soap-n-Socks organization which helped people in shelters. She is survived by her husband, Emerson, daughter, Marya Lynn Walker (Elliott) Atlanta, GA, grandson, Emerson Henry Mosley, Atlanta, GA; sister, Norma Lipscomb, Pittsburgh, PA; sister-in-law, Joan Ashby, Alexandria, LA; nieces, Kim (Rodney) Jones, Pittsburgh, PA and Robin (Oreste), Pittsburgh, PA; nephews, Drs. Keith (Agnes) Ashby, Alexandria, LA and Dr. Kevin Ashby, Dana Point, CA, Roderick Robinson (Jacqui), Montgomery, AL, and Malcolm Robinson (Sandra), Ft.
Wayne, IN. Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 2, 2018, from 2-6 p.m. at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor. Please check back for funeral service details.
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