Margaret Elizabeth Robinson, a loving, thoughtful, and devoted woman of faith, went home to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
The youngest child, Margaret was born on June 19, 1941, to the late Nathaniel and Beatrice Harris. Margaret was raised in Brodnax, Virginia where she attended the Brunswick County public schools and was an active member at Miles Chapel CME, their family church built by her grandfather. Margaret enjoyed working on the family’s 200-acre farm alongside her parents and siblings where she especially liked riding her beloved horse, Maggie. Margaret’s love for cooking originated from working closely with her mother to prepare home-cooked feasts for family members who would visit the farm from New Jersey. The Harris family home was filled with love for the Lord, love for family, laughter, and devotion.
At the age of 17, Margaret moved to Paterson, New Jersey where she later married her husband of 65 years, Eugene Robinson Jr. on October 31, 1959. Driven by her love for family and children, she aspired to have a large family, leading them to have seven children. While raising her children, Margaret attended Kean University and was employed by St Joseph’s Hospital, in Paterson, for 28 years as a surgical technician before retiring. Margaret was a faithful member of Grace Chapel Baptist Church, in Paterson, for over 40 years. She found joy in planting flowers in her front yard and displaying them on her porch as she once served as a Treasurer of Grace Chapel’s Florist Circle Ministry. Margaret was also an active member of their Women’s Ministry. Margaret Robinson was an honorary member of Life Changing Word Church International where her love was expressed through her presence.
Margaret’s greatest love in life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She made holidays special by decorating every inch of her home and preparing delicious meals while ensuring she included each person’s favorite dish; you would always find a hot meal on her stove. She took delight in writing poetry, telling stories of her family’s history to her grandchildren, and would offer faithful instruction to all she laid eyes on. She was so observant that she made sure her curtains were changed every season and her pillows were fixed when you got up from her couch. She also maintained loving relationships with each of her nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them either in person or on the phone. Margaret made everyone around her feel special and loved. Her love and commitment extended beyond family to include her community. Margaret engaged the children on her block to keep her neighborhood tidy and was publicly honored with the “Arleen Maxwell Cotten Award” through the Team Hope Organization in 2016 for her efforts.
Those strong family values, hard work, and dedication that she learned at the family farm remained constant attributes during Margaret’s life.
Margaret is survived by her husband Eugene Robinson Jr.; children Glenn Sr. (Elaine), Orlando “Joe” (Deborah), Claudy “Chop” (Andrea), Gary Sr. (Rhonda), and Kim (William “Billy”), devoted sister-in-law Marion Caviness (Tommy); 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 granddaughter-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her precious daughters Gina “Sue” Blakney and Karen Robinson; four sisters and one brother.
Margaret’s life was one of service, sacrifice, and above all love. Whether in ministry, work, or family, Margaret led by example and always put others before herself. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and an unshakeable commitment to her loved ones.