Marie Elizabeth Robison

Mrs. Marie E. Robison, age 90 passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on July 28, 2022, in South Bend, Indiana.

Marie was born to the late Araby Ratney and William Smith on September 17, 1931 in Gary, Indiana.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband James Robison, daughters Gwendolyn (Dennis) Copeland, Charmaine Powell, sons James R. Robison, and Willie Tommy Gillespie who preceded her in death. Marie also has 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Her memory will also be cherished by her sister, Signe Alexander, as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marie graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1949, and after relocating to South Bend, she took business courses at night at the old Central High School. In her lifetime she tried her hand at many things and was considered a trailblazer. She was the first black woman keypunch operator at the Studebaker Company, as well as, the first black woman to work in the business office at the telephone company. She was a secretary at Franklin School under Joseph Luten and worked at Marquette School for several years. She held other positions during her lifetime and subsequently retired from Memorial Hospital. In the community she served as the Decorations Chairperson for the Urban League, and organized the Leisure Travelers Club. Marie also served as the Worthy Matron for Odessa Chapter, #28, Order of Eastern Star, District Deputy Grand Matron, Past Commandress of Tyre and Mohomet Courts- Daughters of Isis, and served as the Past Loyal Lady Ruler- Wabash Assembly #68. Before she relocated to South Bend she came from First Baptist Church in Gray, Indiana to Greater St. John MBC (formally St. John Baptist) in 1960 under Rev. Bernard L. White. She joined the Gospel Chorus, where she served as Financial Secretary and Publicity Chairman. She was also the composer of Resolutions for deceased members of the Gospel Chorus. She was selected by the late pianist, Louise Hubbard to become a member of the Echoes of Glory

Services honoring the life, labor, legacy, and love for Mother Robison will be held on Friday August 5, 2022 at 12 Noon at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams street, South Bend, IN 46628. Pastor/Teacher Reverend Andre' A. McGhee will bring the word. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services at 11 A.M. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford's Mortuary Inc. - South Bend. 

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