Mrs. Doretha Robinson

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Our Beloved Mother

Doretha Robinson, affectionately known as Big Mama and Mother Robinson, was a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She peacefully passed away on March 29, 2025, at the age of 100, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Nash County, North Carolina, she was the treasured daughter of the late Omega “Miggie” Scott and Mary Cordell-Scott.

Doretha dedicated her early years to helping her family by working on tobacco and cotton farms after completing her sixth-grade education.  She left Nash County, NC in 1945 at the age of 20 headed for Virginia where she worked at Langley AFB in the cafeteria.  She later obtained a job at a boarding house for shipyard workers in Newport News, VA where she met the love of her life the late Thomas Robinson and from this union she had six children.  

After the passing of her husband, Doretha set out to provide for her family by working as a housekeeper and companion, traveling across the U.S. Her unwavering determination and passion for learning inspired her to earn her GED in her early sixties from Hampton Adult Education, serving as a powerful role model for her six children. She was deeply committed to their education, encouraging each of them to pursue their academic and professional goals with steadfast support.

As a pillar of the community, Mother Robinson dedicated countless hours to volunteering at Hampton City Schools, where she engaged with the youth, and at the Hampton Senior Citizens Center. She also participated in a community initiative with a group of neighbors to clean up and restore the old graveyard behind her yard, now recognized as Tucker Cemetery, one of the oldest historical sites honoring African descendants. When she wasn't volunteering, Mother Robinson loved spending time in her garden, planting flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed a nice cup of coffee every morning and going to the farm with her daughter, Anna, to pick fresh greens and was passionate about canning veggies and fruits. Her potato salad and chicken and dumplings were crowd-pleasers, but it was her sweet potato pie that stole the show—everyone agreed it was unbeatable, even better than "Pattie Pies."

Doretha’s life was deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and close relationship with God. Anchored in prayer, meditation, and the study of her Bible, she became a cherished member of Mt. Calvary FBH Church, where she served as a dedicated Sunday School teacher and led the hospitality committee. Later, she supported her daughter and son-in-law's ministry by becoming a devoted member of Strait Gate Deliverance Center. Known affectionately as Mother Robinson, she served with grace and leadership on the Finance Committee, Deacon Board and as head of the Mother Board. She believed profoundly in the power of faith, always offering life-affirming and uplifting words to those she met. As a prayer warrior, she was a pillar of strength on whom her family constantly leaned on.

Doretha is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Robinson, her parents, brothers Wilbert Scott, Obadiah Scott, AubreyScott, Richard Scott, Joseph (Joe) Scott, David Scott, Roscoe Scott and Obie Gray Scott, her sisters Estelle Scott, Mary Cooper and her grand-daughter Lisa Stanley.  Her legacy of love and faith lives on through her sister Josephine Smith, her children, Thomas Robinson Jr. (Joe), Joan Diane Rogers (Jerome), Mickey Robinson, Anna Marie Alston (Tommy), Larry Robinson (Angela), Angela Regina Hamblett (Joseph).  Her grandchildren, Jason Robinson, Jacqueline Simmons (Gerald), Jerome Rogers Jr. (Paula), Erica Bryant (David), Michelle Hopson (Jacob), Maurice Rogers, Matthew James, Jason James, Dwayne Alston (Lynese), Tramaine Alston, Thomas Alston Jr. (Kashama), Larry Robinson Jr. (J.R.), Kia Wilson, Angela Robinson-Wilson, Tyrell Wilson and a host of great-grandkids, great-great grandkids, nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Mother Robinson also shared her journey with a few extraordinary friends who were like her adopted children, Moses Brunson (Geraldine), Lula Williams, Margo Everett and Deborah Salters.  

There was and will always be only one Mother Robinson. Though we feel sadness at her passing, we are uplifted by the extraordinary gift of her life. Her legacy inspires us to strive to meet the high standards she set for us.  

It is the desire of the Robinson family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Doretha Robinson has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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