Mary Lillie Dean Robinson

As we retrace the footprints of Mary Lille Dean Robinson, we can only give thanks for the many lives she touched along life’s journey. A self confident woman, she was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a child, a sister, an aunt, and a friend.   Mary began her life’s journey on December 20, 1949, at Manning, Arkansas as the daughter of David and Eloise Hughes Robinson. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and united with Harmony Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. F. O. Jones. She remained a faithful member and served as assistant Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, choir member as well as assistant church clerk. “Lillie Dean”, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in Sparkman, Arkansas and was a 1967 graduate of Sparkman Training School. There she excelled as a student and was known as an outstanding basketball player, having played the center position. Lillie Dean grew up to be a loving, kind and intelligent young woman. She furthered her education by attending Arkansas Baptist College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Ouachita Baptist University where she earned her Master of Science degree in Education, thereby fulfilling her dream of becoming an educator. During her career as an educator she taught school in both the Dallas and Nevada County school systems. Although she had no children of her own, to her nieces and nephews, Lillie Dean was like a loving and nurturing mother. A naturally friendly person, she was there for her family like a best friend. Lillie Dean was a rare “rich gift” who inspired everyone who crossed her path. She possessed her own style and loved music, particularly gospel; her favorite secular group was Kool and The Gang. After 60 seasons of life Lillie Dean received her blessing of immortality on Monday, February 22, 2010, at her home in Sparkman. She was welcomed home by her parents, her siblings, Dorothy Jones, Robbie Sue Bragg, David Robinson and a nephew, Courtney Robinson.   She leaves to celebrate and honor her life’s journey: two brothers, Ollie J. Robinson of Arkadelphia, and James Anthony Robinson of Sparkman; two sisters, Sarah Swopshire of Ironton, Missouri and Annie Parker of St. Louis, Missouri; one aunt, Lois Anthony of Detroit, MI; a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends, and the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church family. Ms. Robinson will lie in state Friday from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m., and the family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.at the funeral home. The last farewell will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church - Sparkman with Rev. Harvey Goodwin officiating. The committal and final resting place will be in Harmony Community Cemetery.