Vera L Robinson's Obituary
Vera L. Robinson, affectionately known as "Granny" was born on August 10, 1927 in Clearwater, FL to John Graham and Irene Jones Graham. Vera was an only child; raised by her grandmother and great-grandmother alongside her elder aunts and uncles.
Vera's journey of faith began when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist church in Clearwater, FL. She was a faithful member who sang in the choir; and she possessed a beautiful melodic voice.
Vera and her husband of 60 years, Samuel L. Robinson, Sr., made several moves to improve opportunities for the family and children. With each move, Vera always fulfilled her Baptist Covenant commitment to "When we remove from this place, we will engage as soon as possible to unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word". In Montclair, NJ, the family church was Union Baptist Church. In the family's last move to Atlanta, she and her husband joined Beulah Baptist Church and ultimately became members of Ebenezer Baptist Church under the Pastorate of The Reverend Dr. Joseph Roberts and now Pastorate of The Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, PhD.
Vera's career started shortly after high school as a factory worker. She was active in church, community, and politics. Granny was a progressive who had a passion for helping others. This led into her roles as PTA President, YMCA Director, and Union Shop Steward. It was not uncommon to find Vera arbitrating on behalf of young people who needed help, and workers' rights. Granny customarily shared her blessings from God with men and women less fortunate than herself, many whom she did not know. She encouraged her children to do their best and share their blessings with others.
Granny retired from Rich's (now Macy's) Department Store at Lenox Mall after 15 years. Her employee discount afforded the opportunity for her family to experience some of the finer things in life that otherwise might break the budget.
On holidays, Granny was most happy to be surrounded by a host of her family and family friends. No dinner would be complete without her infamous pound cake. Granny also dyed (personalized) Easter eggs every year for all of the family until she was 90. Granny was happiest when the table was full of family, friends, and she always welcomed those with no family in the area.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Samuel L. Robinson, Sr.
She is survived by her four children, Nanzetta (Frank) Sadberry of Snellville, Grover (Sharon) Byrdsell of Covington, Rev. John (Jean) Byrdsell of College Park, and Samuel L. Robinson, Jr. of Lithonia; her brother-in-law, E.J. (Lynne) Robinson; her grandchildren, Sonja (Eric) Ferguson, Kendra Brydsell, William (Donnetta) Scoggins, Jason Byrdsell, Kandes (Ronald) Tobin, Megan Simmons, Shannon Byrdsell; 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins.
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