Elizabeth Estella Robinson, Sunrise: October 1, 1934, Sunset: May 31, 2026

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21

With humble submission to the will of God, the family of Mrs. Elizabeth Estella Smith-Robinson announces her peaceful transition from labor to reward on Sunday, May 31, 2026. At the age of ninety-one, she entered eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, love, and devotion to family.

Elizabeth was born on October 1, 1934, in Harford County, Maryland, to the late Preston Smith, Sr. and Essie Lynn Edwards-Smith. She graduated from Consolidated High School in Harford County, Maryland, where she was crowned Miss Sweetheart. Blessed with remarkable beauty and grace, she carried herself with elegance, confidence, and dignity throughout her life, known as an excellent hostess welcoming all who came to her home.

In 1955 and 1956, Elizabeth worked as a nanny. In 1957, she pursued nursing studies at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, later working at Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland, where she met the love of her life, Arthur Robinson, Jr. On April 3, 1958, they married and together built a loving family blessed with five children. The military took them to Panama and then brought them to Virginia. Elizabeth found a position where she could bring her children to work with her and spent more than twenty years caring for and maintaining Hampton Roads Academy, Newport News, Virginia. She later worked in the cafeteria at Richneck Elementary School until her retirement in 2007. A devoted woman of faith, Elizabeth was a faithful member and beloved Mother of the Church at Life Line Full Gospel Church under the leadership of Pastor Arliss Hill. Her wisdom, prayers, encouragement, and steadfast faith made her a pillar in her church family and community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Robinson, Jr.; her parents, Preston Smith, Sr. and Essie Lynn Edwards-Smith; her sister, Catherine Clyde Coleman; her brothers, Ralph Nicholas Smith, Jerome Smith, Edwin Smith, Preston “Charlie Fields” Smith, Jr., and James Franklin Smith; sister in law Barbara Jean Brown, and her brothers-in-law, Willie Coleman, Samuel Pounds, Walter Norris, Sr., and David Mack, Rev. Edward Wilkes, and grandson, Anthony Bland.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving children: Minister Valerie M. Jackson (Robert), Rita Robinson, Pamela Meyer, Arturo Robinson (Tonya), and Rahman Robinson (Annie). She also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Adriene, Kairene, Martina, Kenneth (Jr), Barbara, Christina, Kendall, Kim, Ava, Andre, Nicholas, Marshall, Cashmeira, Porsacha, Jordan, Wallace, Bill, Isaiah, Denise; her great-grandchildren, Dominique, Jamal (L.J.), Kiyara, Delilah, Ray Jr, Rayna, Jamal (Mal), Kayviona (K.K.), Kayliona (Ducky), Kenneth III (Trey), Josiah (Jo-Jo), Noah, Qhari (Q), Maleena, Bella, Bryson, Kaniyah, Keion, McKenzie, Sincere, Aria, Prescott, Valencia, Divonna Genevieve, Malia,; and one great-great-granddaughter, Tiana; She is also survived by her devoted siblings: Robert Staniford “Talley” Smith (Carol Anne), Mary Pounds, Annabelle Mack, and Barbara Norris; and her sisters-in-law: Benetta Pankey, Zelpha Smith, Janice Demby, and Ana Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to her five children who supported her, her oldest granddaughter Adriene for her expertise and medical knowledge , her grandson, Isaiah, who was a devoted caregiver, her aide, Wanda Slade; The Rev. Dr. James A. Jones, Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, her special neighbors, Cindy Rhodall Wright and Sergio Wright; the compassionate Bon Secours ICU staff; her physician of more than thirty years, Dr. Wexler, retired; Primary care, Dr. Tony Pledger; her Eye Dr. Julia White; and all who provided care, support, prayers, and comfort throughout her life.

Today we celebrate a life well lived, family well loved, and a faithful servant who has received her heavenly reward.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at First Baptist Church Denbigh.  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)