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Michele Robison Obituary
Michele was born Oct. 13, 1946, in Alameda, Calif. She was a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Masters degree in English Education. Michele was a certified English teacher in Virginia and California, and taught at Denbigh, Ferguson and Woodside High Schools in Newport News and Rancho Barnardo High School in San Diego, Calif. She retired as head of the English Department at Woodside High School in 2007 after 30 years of teaching. She enjoyed working with students at all levels, developed curriculums in California and Virginia, and was an enthusiastic supporter and coach of new teachers. It has been said the greatest thing that a person can do in life is to make a difference in the world. Michele made a difference in the lives of thousands of young people and the world is a better place for that. She still found time to be a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed by us all.
Michele is survived by her husband, Ben Robison; her son, Eric Robison and daughter-in-law, Sydney Robison, of Richmond, Va.; her grandson, Collin Robison; her mother, Betty Meeker of Newport News, Va.; and sister, Brenda Kannigiser of Atlanta, Ga.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. A brief reception will be held afterward at the Two Rivers Country Club.
Michele loved flowers. Those who would like to make a memorial contribution in her name, are asked to consider the Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg Va. 23188.
Nelsen Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
On-line condolences may be registered at www.nelsenfh.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michele Robison
Heather Brown
September 18, 2008
It does not surprise me to see so many loving and admiring guest book entries for Michele. Michele was the cooperating teacher I worked with as a senior in college doing my student teaching at WHS. Despite my fears and insecurities about teaching, I looked forward to seeing Michele at school each day, and I became a better teacher and person for having known her. I hold a very special place in my heart for Michele, and I will always remember her saying, "Now hurry up and turn 21 already so we can go and have a glass of wine after work!" Michele was dedicated to her family, friends, and students, and she also knew how to have fun and enjoy life. She didn't sweat the small stuff. I will miss her. God bless.
Leslie Horton
September 15, 2008
I first met Michele as we became fellow AVID teachers and organizers of several AVID conferences both in Newport News and Richmond. What a beautiful woman she was, both inside and out. I remember her as funny, hard working, and dedicated. I was terribly saddened by the news of her passing. Not only did she make a difference in the lives of all the students who were lucky enough to have her as a teacher, but she also made a difference in mine.
Dianne Blakeney
September 8, 2008
To The Robison Family,
May it comfort you to know that God is with you and that those who cared so dearly for Michele are thinking of you, praying for you and sharing in your loss.
Sincerely,
Bill Smith
September 6, 2008
Ben & family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. May your grief soon turn to the celebration of a life so well lived and all the wonderful memories that Mrs. Robison shared with you all.
Kim Haywood
September 6, 2008
Michele was not only my lead teacher but was also my friend. I truly got to know her when I was moved to her "house" at Woodside. When my husband was deployed to Iraq she became my "rock" at work always boosting my mood and assuring me he would be fine. We laughed about weight (especially after Oprah's show that told us to reduce the size of our bum we should not wear pants with back pockets!) We talked about everything from our school kids to our own kids and Michele was always sending me jokes even up to a few weeks ago. I will miss her smile, her sense of humor, and even her "tough exterior". I inherited her infamous podium when she retired and it will remain with me in remembrance of her. Thank you for sharing her with us. Kim Haywood
Adriane Young
September 5, 2008
Mrs Robison was my favorite teacher at Woodside and when I went to substitute there I went looking for her. My prayers are with your family. She talked about you all the time. She will certainly be missed. She definitely made a difference in my life. She developed my writing skills wonderfully and she gave me my first and only 8 on a writing. I always loved coming to her class in 10th and 12th grade because she was so funny and always dressed so well. I couldn't wait to see the shoes she wore everyday. May she rest in peace. God bless to your family.
Lawrence Henson
September 5, 2008
Mrs. Robinson was a wonerful lady. although i never personally had her as a teacher i talked to her often, on the way to calss and between them. she had one the best smiles i had ever seen and i never saw her without one. woodside lost the best thing that ever happened to it. i hope all of her family can smile soon because that is one thing that i know she would want. for now she is in a better place looking over all those that she touched with those great lessons of life and knowledge she passed on to us, and to her family who she cared for so much that no words could describe.
PFC Lawrence "Larry" Henson, 10th mountain division. we salute you.
Susan Fitchko
September 5, 2008
Ben, Eric and Family;
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. My heart broke when I heard about Michele's illness...and later her death. We taught together at Denbigh High when both our sons were "little" fellows and we shared much during that time. Her sparkling personality, her delightful sense of humor and her loving spirit will remain with us always. May God Bless all of you!
Brittany Wallace
September 4, 2008
Mrs. Robison was BY FAR the best and most memorable teacher I have had! She was tough but she had such a great spirit, and it definitely showed. She will truly be missed.
Chela Wallace
September 4, 2008
Mrs. Robison helped me become the young woman I am today. As my AVID teacher in 1999, she recognized my potential and taught me how to function in my talents/gifts. Her impact allowed me to continue my education at the University of Virginia and now I am educator in San Antonio teaching High School Science. I instill the same passion in my students like Mrs. Robison
Jacqueline Smith-Eley (former WHS Teacher)
September 4, 2008
To the Robinson Family:
My prayers are with each of you during your time of loss. Michele was a dynamic educator. With Sympathy,
David Rice
September 3, 2008
Ben,
I am sorry for the loss of your wife. She was a super lady that made an impact on many young people. May God provide you and your family strength and comfort in the days to come.
Larry Gaskins
September 3, 2008
Ben,
Mary Ann and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Michele. She was a lovely person and we always enjoyed our times together with the two of you. Larry and Mary Ann Gaskins
Cliff Hall
September 3, 2008
Mrs. Robison left a profound impact on my life. She was my English teacher for 3 out of the 4 years at Woodside High in Newport News and although she was tough, I attribute my academic success to the struggle to meet her high expectations. I even chose to continue my education at Virginia Tech in large part because of her Hokie pride. Mrs. Robison was an amazing person.
Greg Sutton
September 3, 2008
Ben,
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg
Stuart MacKenzie
September 3, 2008
Our prayers are with your family as you face this tragic loss. We met Michele at the PCI clinic on Tuesdays with the room 7 group. She was a wonderful lady and she will be terribly missed. Know that you are in our daily prayers. Stu and Barbara MacKenzie
Cynthia Richardson-Brown
September 3, 2008
To the Robison family,
My prayers are with you all as you transition through this difficult time. Michele's love for her family was evidenced by the pride that she showed when speaking about you all. In life, her family was her greatest joy and her flowers here on earth. My life is greatly enriched simply by the crossing of our paths at Newport News Public Schools. Thank you for unselfishly sharing Michelle with us.
Cynthia Richardson-Brown, Ath, Belgium
Karen Lisota
September 3, 2008
Ben, My deepest sympathies for the loss of your wife. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. All of your AMSEC friends are thinking of you during this time.
Nick & Pat Smith
September 3, 2008
Dear Ben and Family, Nick and I are so very sorry for your great loss. We have always enjoyed seeing you and Michele at the tailgate parties at Tech, and will miss her beautiful smile. Please know that we are thinking of all of you at this sad time and will hold you in our prayers. With love, Nick and Pat
Ed & Suzanne Owens
September 3, 2008
Dear Ben, Eric, Sydney & Betty,
You are each in our thoughts and prayers.
Michele is now our special "Hokie Guardian Angel" and we will continue to celebrate her loving ways in the days ahead...
Peace be with you, Suzanne and Ed
Micah Smith
September 3, 2008
Ben, Eric, and Sydney,
Michele and I worked closely together to lead the English department at Woodside. We truly had a wonderful work relationship and a close bond. I deeply admired Michele for her strength, character, and the ability the balance everything in her life. She also had such great fashion sense. I remember buying her the "perfect" gift for one of her birthdays...a pair a gold and bronze strappy pumps. Michele put them on right away and showed them off as she pranced down the halls. She loved them! I was happy to show my appreciation. I love her and I will miss her terribly. I shared with her in a last email that I would never have a partner like her. She was a remarkable human being.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Orlando
September 3, 2008
Ben,
Michele was a "class act." I truly respected her as a person and as a teacher. It is such a loss for you, your son, and his family. I expect that her loving wisdom will live on through all of you so that others will continue to benefit from her life.
God bless you as you struggle with your grief.
Sincerely,
Linda Lacy Orlando
Rosanna
September 3, 2008
Betty and Family,
I met you at the Hospice House when I was there to see my husband's brick memorial. I am sorry for your loss.
Rosanna Paxson
Bill & Martha Dean
September 3, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this dificult time.
Warm Regards, Bill and Martha (Laurie Lee's parents)
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