Tessie Mae (Howard) Robinson

On Sunday evening, July 23, Tessie Mae Howard Robinson, entered into her eternal home surrounded by her family at the age of 88.  Tessie was preceded in death by her parents, Abbie and Robbie Howard, her beloved husband of 66 years, Elisha Dortch “ED” Robinson and all of her nine siblings.  

Tessie is survived by her children, Donald Glenn Robinson (Kay); Darnell Robinson Jones (Jack); Michael Dean Robinson (Vickie); ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren, MANY nieces and nephews and a VERY special friend and neighbor, Pat Whaley, ALL of whom she loved dearly. 

Without question, Tessie was one of the most kind, good hearted woman God ever put on this earth.  In short, if you could not like or love this precious lady, then you might better check your pulse!  (Proverbs 31:31) comes to mind when thinking of this wonderful lady: “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”  Tessie was a dedicated farm wife and mother who worked side by side with ED for over 32 years on their family farm!  Tobacco was their main crop and Tessie could do just about all of it; from cropping, tying, and looping to trucking the tobacco; Tessie got the job done without EVER a complaint!  She never asked for praise or wanted recognition, but those who knew and loved Tessie the most, understood that her worth was “far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)  Though Tessie loved working with her husband and children on the farm, her passion was gardening! 

Tessie was a long-time vendor at the Lenoir County Farmer’s Market.  For over 30 years, she took a variety of vegetables from her immaculate garden and enjoyed selling them to the hundreds of customers who became like family to Tessie.  Her number one commodity was collards!  Producing quality and quantity of this Southern delicacy, Tessie became known as “The Collard Lady”; a title that she modestly liked but not as much as she LOVED interacting with her customers!  Tessie would ALWAYS make sure that you left with just a little extra as she wouldn’t slight a customer for anything! 

Tessie LOVED her Lord, Jesus Christ, and serving HIM through her involvement at Pleasant Hill Christian Church (PHCC) for over 62 years.  While attending PHCC, Tessie was an Elder, Deaconess, Food Committee Chair for MANY years, organizer and speaker at the Women’s Day annual celebration and an active member of the Women’s Sunday School Class.  There was hardly a Sunday afternoon that Tessie and ED would not visit someone in the hospital or a shut in, always showing up with a fruit basket, card and candy!  They were inseparable and were always “better together”! ED and Tessie (The Dynamic Duo) brought lots of smiles and hope to those who needed it most!  What a blessing to know that they are now reunited!!!

The family would like to thank all who have shown so many wonderful acts of kindness by your visits, phone calls, cards and prayers.  You will never know how much your thoughtfulness has meant.  Also, the quality of care, compassion and love shown to Tessie through her recent stay at UNC Lenoir Hospital and Kitty Askins Hospice Center will FOREVER be appreciated and never  forgotten.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to PHCC Memorial Fund (Attention Pat Whaley) at 364 Vine Swamp Road, Kinston, NC 28504! 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26th at 11:00 am, with funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Christian Church located at 4306 Pleasant Hill Road, Pink Hill, NC 28572.  Burial will follow the service at the church.