Elizabeth Robinson

Elizabeth (Betty) Thornton Robinson died on May 8, 2025, in Orlando. Betty was born in Orlando on July 1, 1923, to Leonard Stephen Thornton and Margaret Norment Thornton, who was born in the Norment House, now part of the Courtyard on Lake Lucerne, in 1893. She was the younger sister of Margaret Thornton Petris. Betty lived her entire life in Orlando except for the brief period during and after World War II when she followed her husband in his army career and law career. She was educated in Orlando schools, having graduated from Orlando High School in the class of 1940, and graduated cum lade with a BS degree in Commerce from Florida State College for Women where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and served as chapter president.

High school sweethearts Jim and Betty Robinson led the procession as president and secretary of the class at the graduation ceremony in the class of 1940, both receiving the American Legion Citizenship award, and voted by their classmates as the most likely to succeed. They were married in the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando in 1944, and Betty liked to say that she succeeded first in her life work by marrying Jim. Both Betty and Jim were active members for most of their lives of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Betty served there as a teacher in the Sunday School, a circle leader and Bible moderator, an elder, and most recently as a member of the Questerian Class and as a mentor in the After School Outreach Ministry where she fulfilled her wish to help children in her later years. In 2012 Betty and Jim chose to remain in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Orlando Presbyterian Church.

Betty lived with her husband and children and participated and encouraged all of them in their pursuits. She learned to drive the small boat so that the kids and their friends could water ski when Dad was not home and even drove the teenagers and dog halfway across the continent in a motor home when Dad was busy working. She took great interest in their schooling and served many years on PTA boards and committees and as area representative of AFS foreign student exchange program. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, the Rosalind Club, the Third Friday Book Club, and formerly of the Junior League of Orlando. She particularly enjoyed organizing luncheon meetings of the Pi Phis of "her vintage."

Betty and Jim traveled extensively together and visited all seven continents, she "dabbled" in genealogy, enjoyed using the computer to make cards for her friends, and worked in the garden as long as she able, liking to pull weeds. Her collard greens were a favorite among Southern friends and especially with the students in the after-school mentoring program. Jim and Betty moved to Westminster Towers in 2017, where Betty was named Volunteer of the Year in 2023. At 99, she was also one of the oldest volunteers at Second Harvest. Betty especially enjoyed celebrating her 100th birthday with her friends and family in 2023, and remained active in the Rosalind Club.

Betty was preceded in death by Jim in 2017. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Libby) and her husband Robert L Barnes, her son James Carson Robinson, Jr., and his wife Teri, all of Orlando, her son Richard T Robinson and his wife Francoise Joseph du Busquiel of Belgium, grandchildren Lauren Barnes of Orlando, James Philippe Robinson and Julie Robinson of Belgium, her exchange daughter Sue Imnoy of Norway and her daughter Christina, and great grandchildren Jude, Quentin and Zoe Robinson of Belgium.

A memorial service will be held on May 22, 2025 at 1:30pm at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1655 Peel Ave, Orlando, FL 32806. Although Betty loved flowers, she preferred memorials which could lend a helping hand. Those who choose may make donations in memory of Betty to the Christian Service Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, or a helping hand organization of their choice.