Anna Lee Smith Robinson

Mrs. Anna Smith Robinson, daughter of the late Robert Lee Smith and Lillian Smith Elam, died at her residence Wednesday, December 9, 2020 after a long and blessed life. She was born on April 27th, 1929, in Mecklenburg County, VA. Anna received her early educational training in Mecklenburg County, except for one year in the Maryland school system. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Virginia Union University. Graduate studies were done at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Catholic University, Washington, D.C.; and Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, where she received a Master of Arts degree in English in May, 1974. Anna served as an educator in Brunswick and Mecklenburg Counties for thirty-five years. She was dedicated to the promotion of young people’s progress and she gave unselfishly of her time to sponsor the cheering squad, newspaper staff, forensic and debate teams. She also sponsored the drama club, for which she had a special love. In addition to the above sponsorships, she taught five English classes of variant levels and served for several years as coordinator of the English Department at Park View Senior High School. As an educator, she was affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA), the Virginia Association for Teachers of English (VATE) and the Mecklenburg County Teachers Association (MCTA). As an undergraduate, she became an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Anna was married to Howard Edward Robinson on January 1, 1951. She became a member of the Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church after her marriage to Howard, whose church affiliation always had been Presbyterian. Later, she served faithfully as an elder in the church. She also was associated with the Presbyterian Woman’s group. Her Presbyterian dedication enabled her to serve the Presbytery of the James, Richmond, VA, in several capacities: member of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) from 1989-1995; reader of Presbytery Ordination Examinations sponsored by Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee, Louisville, Kentucky from 1989-1990; a member of the Transitional team from 1995-1996; and secretary of the District 5 (Presbyterian) from May, 1997-January, 1998. Anna was loved by many and is survived by her devoted husband Howard E. Robinson, Sr., Manassas, Virginia; her devoted son Howard E. Robinson, Jr., Manassas, Virginia; her loving brother Robert L. Smith, Baltimore, Maryland and sister-in-law Norma Smith, Baltimore, Maryland; beloved Goddaughter Christy Harris-Lipford (Paul), Richmond, Virginia; devoted niece Carolyn Martin, Chase City, Virginia. Anna was Blessed by a 70 plus year friendship with Charles and Dorothy Harris, who proceeded her in death, that rewarded her with her Goddaughter, Christy, and a large loving family that she adopted as her own: Greta Harris, Kimberly Singh (Kewal), Terrie Harris, and their families and friends provided her with endless hours of pleasure for the last 61 years of her life. Throughout her life, Anna strived for perfection in all that she did, whether it was a game of pinochle or mentoring a young mind. Although some thought she was a hard task master, nothing gave her more pleasure than the kind words of past students thanking her for pushing them to excel and continuing to strive to reach their full potential. Wife, mother, educator and friend: A life well lived that has touched and influenced many. Graveside services for Mrs. Anna Lee Smith Robinson will be conducted 2:00 P.M., Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chase City, VA with Rev. George Wilson, officiating. Public viewing will be held on Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a mask will be required for all viewings and services. We ask that you adhere to all guidelines, and practice social distancing. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.