Betty Louise Robinson

Betty Louise Robinson

AGE: 88 • Plainfield

Betty Louise (Gibson) Robinson, a long-time resident of Plainfield, N.J., passed away at JFK Medical Center in Edison on the morning of July 21, 2017, two days after celebrating her 88th birthday. Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, her life was enriched by family, cultural pursuits and a lifelong love of learning.

Betty was baptized in Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield in 1939, performing as the main soloist of the Junior Choir. A graduate of Plainfield High School, Betty attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, before marrying and welcoming five daughters. Betty retired after a 31 year career with the United National Bank (aka Plainfield Trust State National Bank and PNC Bank). After her retirement, she worked at Century 21, Louis Pompilio, Inc., Scotch Plains, for several years.

While Betty's devotion to her five daughters took priority, she found time to support charitable endeavors to improve youth educational opportunities. She was a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Kings Daughters Day Nursery in Plainfield and a long standing and active member of the M.R.S. Club, Inc., where she served as Treasurer for many years. She was particularly proud of the Club's mission to award college scholarships to deserving Plainfield High School students.

In addition to encouraging education of others, Betty never lost the passion for learning herself. Wednesday afternoons were reserved for the Union County College biology class held at the Plainfield Senior Citizen Center where she participated in lively discussions of science and current events. Betty was also an ardent tennis fan, delighted to attend both the US Open in Flushing Meadow, N.Y. and The Championships, Wimbledon in London, England. Passionate about travelling, her journeys took her to different parts of this country, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe.

Betty is survived by her five daughters: Hon. Joan Robinson Gross (Calvin), of South Plainfield, Susan Jeryl Robinson of Manhattan, Leslie Robinson of Plainfield, Tracey Robinson of Plainfield and Karen Robinson Hunte (Halman) of Los Angeles, California; three grandchildren: Rebecca Gross of Metuchen, Paul Gross of South Plainfield and Ian Hunte of Los Angeles and one great-grandson, David Gross of South Plainfield. Also surviving are two sisters: Roye-Ann Hargrove Wallace of North Carolina and Carolyn Whitley of Plainfield, a brother, Raymond Gilmore of North Carolina,goddaughter, D'Andrea Neal, niece Paula Mayers Styles, aunt, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A memorial will be held Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 3PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 515 W. 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Arrangements by Judkins Colonial Home, Inc., www.judkinscolonialhome.com. Betty's charities were King's Daughter Day School, 502 W. Front St., Plainfield, N.J. 07060 and the Yvonne Picou Scholarship Fund, c/o the M.R.S. Club, Inc., PO Box 5093, Somerset, N.J. 08873.