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Barbara Curtistine Robinson


Sunrise: May 7, 1957

Sunset: September 1, 2022
And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain; for the former things are passed away. Revelations 21:4

On September 1, 2022, the Lord called Barbara into eternal rest and welcomed her safely into His loving arms.

Barbara C. Robinson was born to the late Emanuel R. Robinson, Sr., and Josephine O. Robinson in Chesapeake, VA on May 7, 1957.

Barbara will be remembered, above all, for her passion. Even as a child, there was no question that she was going to bravely face and overcome life’s obstacles with grace and persistence. At 10, she suffered a severe brain injury that required surgery, her healing would serve as evidence that God wouldn’t allow her brilliant, beautiful brain to be stopped. Barbara channeled her strength, intellect, and service into her true passions; being a loving matriarch to her children and grandchildren, a grounding force for her family, and an unapologetic advocate for the advancement of her people, and social justice for all.

One of her most cherished roles was being Towanda & Terry’s mom. As a single mother, Barbara stopped at nothing to ensure her children had the absolute best she could provide. She worked tirelessly to let her children know that they were emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe, loved, cherished, and supported. She made it clear that she was always there to be their greatest support system. She wasn’t just secure with providing “her babies” with comfort, she also proudly accepted the mantle of providing them with the example and foundation to advance themselves spiritually and academically. Since Barbara led by example, she did not just work to support her children to advance academically, she also diligently worked to advance her own education and received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University.

Baraba loved her family deeply and found joy in playing many varied roles. One of the roles which she most treasured was being a grandmother to her five amazing grandchildren. Her heart was always filled with joy and anticipation during her drives from VA to OH to be with her son and his family. She served as a griot and historian for the Robinson family. She made it her personal charge to ensure all of her family members, especially the young people, received the knowledge of and access to information about the majesty of their cultural and familial history and legacy. She curated family experiences that highlighted the greatness of being descendants of the African diaspora and transformed family gatherings and celebrations of ancestral customs. Barbara modeled for her family what it looked like to gather, learn, and rejoice, and was always willing to be the shining example of what it looked like to “Lift Every Voice and Sing”.

She was a mother, grandmother, social justice advocate, and above all, she was a follower of Christ. Therefore, her work as an educator and servant-leader didn’t end with her family. For the past two decades, she was an active member of Faith Deliverance Christian Center, where she led the Political Action Ministry and partnered with politicians and grassroots organizations like Virginia Organizing and the Poor People’s Campaign. As an impassioned advocate for equality, Barbara shared the importance of every able-bodied adult actively participating in the voting process. She grounded her work in ensuring equity, justice, and access to the democratic process for all Americans, especially the less fortunate, underrepresented, and historically disenfranchised.

Her spirit for excellence did not end with civic and spiritual leadership. In October 2020, after 34 years of dedicated service, she retired from her role as a command supervisor at NAVSUP, the Navy’s oldest and largest Fleet Logistics Center, at the Norfolk Waterfront. Her career began at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a Woodcrafter Apprentice in 1986, and during her service, her strategic mind and warm spirit led to her

becoming a much-loved fixture with co-workers and customers alike. She made an indelible impression on all whom encountered in her command and on the Waterfront.

In 2014, in honor of her superior logistical support to the USS Carter Hall, Barabra was awarded one of the Navy’s highest civilian honors, the Navy Meritorious Civilian Achievement Award. The honor is granted to civilian employees in the Department of the Navy for meritorious service or contributions resulting in high value or benefits for the Navy or the Marine Corps. Recipients are deemed eligible by demonstrating distinctive character, unusual initiative and skill in devising new and improved equipment, work methods, and procedures resulting in substantial savings in expenses such as manpower, time, space, and materials, or improved safety or health of the workforce.

According to the ship’s commander, Barabra’s logistical leadership, during an eight-month deployment, “allowed Carter Hall to remain 100 percent mission-ready, by using resources to manage the routing of 36,000 pounds of cargo valued at $1.5 million to include 275 routine and 25 hazardous material shipments.” According to her award citation, her “vast knowledge in logistical support combined with world-class customer service allowed Carter Hall to correct 17 major casualties, carry out preservation efforts, and complete more than 400 Preventive Maintenance System checks to successfully complete mandatory training and certifications.” Always a gentle and humble soul, after her esteemed work, Barbara stated that she was, “was completely surprised and just blown away by this degree of recognition. Sometimes we get a call or an email for helping a ship for helping with an issue. This was really special.”

Barbara was predeceased in this life by her parents, Emanuel R. Robinson, Sr. and Josephine O. Robinson ; siblings, Shirley Johnson, Edith R. Jones, Alexander Riddick, LaVerne Martin, and JoAnn Robinson
; and her beloved son, Dr. Terrence S. Robinson, I.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Towanda D. Robinson, Portsmouth, VA; five cherished grandchildren, Terrence S. Robinson, II, Emanuel R. Robinson, III, Elysha L. Robinson, Sydnee-Symone B. Robinson, and Braxton A. Robinson, daughter-in-law, Dr. Kelene J. Robinson, Cleveland, OH; siblings, Sullivan Robinson and Emanuel R. Robinson, Jr (Delphine).; dearest friends, Eunice Smith, Toni McBeth, and Ronald Whitfield; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, honorary children, and siblings.

There are no words to express how much we will miss her; we will miss her warm smile, infectious laugh, loving heart, dedicated spirit, steady hand, and brilliant mind. Our only comforts are the knowledge that she will live on in our hearts, and most importantly, knowing that she heard her creator say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Welcome home!”

Viewing Friday, September 16, 2022 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, September 17, 2022 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Berkley Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(15)

  1. reply
    Candance Ford Wood says

    Sending my sincere condolences to the Robinson Family. Barbara will truly be missed. She was my neighbor and babysitter when we lived on Broad St.

  2. reply
    Mariet Graham says

    Robinson family: sooo sorry for your loss, I worked with Barbara many yrs at FLC Naval Base Norfolk, she was a kind & gentle soul, her Christian light shined ever so bright, very glad our paths crossed, Rest Easy Barb, you will be missed🙏🏽!

  3. reply
    Sheila Grace says

    She was a Bright light that lit up whenever she was in your presence! Always smiling and encouraging! Still in shock about her passing! She attended the luncheon in July with other retirees and coworkers of FISC! God Bless you Family!

  4. reply
    Sandria Hughes (Master Chief -Ret) says

    Barbara was a lovely person with a heart of gold. I remember her from SERVMART on the Norfolk Naval Base. So pleasant and thoughtful. Her smile would brighten your day. RIP..God bless the family 🙏🏾

  5. reply
    Kendra George says

    To the Robinson Family, my heart aches for you and I can only pray over time, your hearts mend. Losing someone so special can feel incredibly overwhelming. I am sending love and light to you during this trying time. For me she was Mama Robinson and was my college mama during those “wonder years”. When she’d come to Atlanta her presence was known and I remember sitting in the kitchen while she was whipping up a meal at T’s house and I’d pick her brain about “LIFE” stuff. She would give the most loving advice. Most of her tone was so comforting and soothing but if need be she would definitely check me, One thing for sure in all situations she reminded me to trust GOD even when I did not understand why things were happening. She will truly be missed and I pray comfort comes to all that knew and loved HER. Words cannot explain what she meant to me and how even in her times of grief she took time to comfort me. There are few people that have that type of compassion and selflessness. HER smile and energy were contagious.

    Love Kendra

  6. reply
    CAPT Johnetta C. Thomas says

    To Ms. Barbara’s Family, praying strength and encouragement for you at this time of loss…she was a kind and giving person. We served together at FLC and she inspired and encouraged me daily through the calm and the storm. She always offered a positive word and constantly showed her servant heart in always supporting the Fleet, her team and the command. God Bless and Keep each of you.

  7. reply
    Brandy Sutton says

    To the Robinson Family:
    You are all in my thoughts and prayers. She was such a loving, gentle and kind person. I admired the love she displayed and expressed for the Lord and her family. She was a pillar in the community, and she was very passionate about disseminating information about voting rights. She is one of the few people that I have ever liked, loved and respected. I am truly going to miss her. I pray that the Lord gives you all the physical and mental strength to endure.

    Love Brandy

  8. reply
    Deborah N Whitaker says

    As the saying goes, you can choose your friends, but not your family, but there are always exceptions, and Barbara was that one exception. I have many relatives born and raised in states South of New Jersey, whom I love to talk to and with. Barbara was a Kindred Spirit; a very good family member (cousin) and an even better friend. We were almost always on the same page.

    We had early morning and/or late night conversations (over coffee or tea) re-hashing what transpired in the family and the world. We seriously thought we could change the world or at least make it right.

    She was a real powerhouse, taking a deep interest in what was going on in the world of politics and making the family aware of those happenings. There was not a missed opportunity for her to call one or two politicians, during the week, and voicing her opinion on current matters, I admired for her knowledge of the political world. we could hold conversations for two or three hours on the subject or the antics of our leaders.

    The family has lost a great leader and a true Angel. She is going to be sorely missed, but definitely not forgotten. Towanda, Terrance (Little T), E-Man, Elysha, Sydnee-Simone, and Braxton rest assured that she will continue to guide you on the right path.

    Rest in Peace and Power!
    I’m really going to miss you.

  9. reply
    Carolyn Y. Vernon says

    To the Robinson family…. Please accept my sincere heartfelt condolences for the loss of Sister Barbara. Her spirit was so sweet and her heart so pure. May she rest in paradise forever and ever.

  10. reply
    Norfolk Ship Provisions Team says

    Our prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We ask God to provide the family with comfort and strength.

    Barbara had a spirit that would lift your heart. Her smile, laugh, and conversations brought many of us joy when we needed it the most. It was a pleasure knowing and working with her. She truly will be missed and never forgotten.

  11. reply
    Debra Godfrey says

    My deepest sympathy to her Daughter and the Family, May the Beautiful memories of your mother give you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Barbara was a very special person who made you feel the warmth and love she possessed.
    Sincerely,
    George & Debra Godfrey and Family

  12. reply
    Christine Alexander Primm says

    Sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. I will always remember her as my sister. She was the most loving and caring person with kindness in her heart. I will miss her but will never forget her. Trust in the Lord for comfort and strength during this time. RIH

  13. reply
    Alaric Best says

    Words cannot describe how deeply sorrowed I am. My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family. I will truly cherish the moments I had working with Ms. Barbara.

    Very Respectfully,

    Alaric Best

  14. reply
    Stevie Bright says

    I was very sorry to have heard about Ms. Robinson passing. I attended school with Ms. Robinson. She was 1 grade under me. RIP Barbara.

  15. reply
    Inez..(she would say:'Nezzy'..!!) says

    It’s still so hard to believe. We met and worked together in the Shipyard. She would take my desk duties if I needed to be absent. A very humble and lovable soul. The angels have another beautiful soul in their midst!

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