Charlotte Elizabeth Robinson

Charlotte Elizabeth Robinson departed this life August 24 2018 at the age of 70; her loving, caring, sometimes stubborn but always sweet nature will always be remembered.

She was born on August 19 1948; one of the twelve Harris children from Abingdon Maryland. She leaves behind her husband the love of her life Harvey R. Robinson who fell in love with her when she first began stealing his lunch in elementary school (more on that later), her son Christopher Ray Robinson, her nephew Vandelle Torez Harris, daughter in law Michelle Harris, grandchildren Christopher Ray Robinson II, Chloe Christina Lila Robinson, Vandelle Harris, Quindelle Harris and Sariah Morgan. Her brothers and sisters Marcella Denise Stokes, Anna Louise Moore, Karen Linda Johnson, Evelyn Brice, James Robert Harris, Lloyd Alfred Harris, Charles Melvin Harris, Thomas Edward Harris Sr. and Roger Eugene Harris.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lloyd Andrew Harris and Anna Louise Harris (Norton) and her sisters Viola Serena Jones and Betty Lou Miller.

Charlotte loved everything related to her family but as soon as she had a chance to leave 3827 Philadelphia Road she took the opportunity to stop sharing a room with all her sisters by saying “I do” and marrying Harvey Robinson her childhood sweetheart. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage, they knew each other since the second grade and she famously bragged that Harvey was so enamored with her that he rode his bicycle from Clayton Rd. in Joppa to Abingdon everyday just to see her and occasionally be harassed by her big brothers. They married April 13th 1967 and Charlotte had her first and only child September 28 1967; hey I just did the math here and uhhhh well, lets just say love was absolutely in the air in the 60’s.

To know the story of Charlotte Robinsons beautiful life you first have to understand that a deep love for her family was at the center.

Her husband Harvey was her love, her center and her rock. I think the secret of their long marriage was that my Dad figured out early that it was the small things that kept her happy; a kiss, a hug, a dance, McCormicks real vanilla extract, a sale on Land O Lakes butter, free refills on coffee, and a good return policy. I once saw my Dad sitting alone in the car in the parking lot of Macys, I drove up and asked him what he was doing; I knew what he was doing which was waiting on my mother to shop. I jokingly told him that she was the boss. First he said don’t worry you’ll be here soon, then he stated simply….and I love her and I will take care of your mother and protect her always. They are an amazing example of love and devotion that we were all privileged to witness over the past 51 years. Her favorite scripture was 1st Corinthians 4 - 8 and it reflects their love.

LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND. IT DOES NOT ENVY, IT DOES NOT BOAST, IT IS NOT PROUD. IT IS NOT RUDE, IT IS NOT SELF SEEKING, IT IS NOT EASILY ANGERED, IT KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS. LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH. IT ALWAYS PROTECTS, ALWAYS TRUST, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES. LOVE NEVER FAILS.

Her family meant the world to her and she was always in the service to us all. Whether it was a place to stay, a caring conversation, a cake or a loan she was there for her family. When her sister Viola passed she wanted to be sure her nephew Vandelle had the same motherly love and care that her sister provided. She spoke with his father Worthington Jones and offered her support in raising Vandelle and that she was there for them. Very shortly thereafter Vandelle moved into her home and became her second son.

Of course if family borrowed money from her you knew the terms; it was all business and you better pay her back promptly as agreed or your name was on the list. FYI my father Harvey still holds the list, we will see all you debtors after the service concludes. Her heart was her grandchildren; Lil Chris who she loved to debate all things NBA basketball, she loved to listen to her granddaughter Chloe sing. She cheered the loudest for Lil Vinny at his John Carroll football games, and always encouraged Quindelle and Sariah who loved their Mom Mom and she loved cooking for them. She was an amazing wife, sister, mother and friend that did all things enveloped within the warmth of her family.

Her best friend Paula Caldwell became family when she married Charlottes brother Robert and became Paula Harris. They were elementary school friends that met in the sixth grade and were joined at the hip from that day forward. They rounded out their crew at Central Consolidated high school with friends Anna May Harris, Delilah Vick, Geneva and Genevieve Pope.

Charlotte went on many family vacations with Paula and her parents as a child. They had untold adventures, broke a few rules….I was told a story about the two of them in Canada that may be a bit to risqué for public consumption, lets move on. When the sisters in law had families of their own they continued the tradition of exploring the world together. They enjoyed a beautiful week in Malibu California this summer on their final vacation together with their families enjoying the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, eating great food, driving around in a convertible 52 Chevy and celebrating Charlottes and Harveys 51st wedding anniversary. Truly a full circle of friendship and unconditional love.

Her work life was also inclusive of family as she worked 42 years with her sister Evelyn Brice for the Baltimore County Public School system as a school bus attendant. Evelyn drove the bus while Charlotte took care to secure the special needs students making sure they arrived at school safely. Thats the proper headline…..of course there are many more exciting, funny, possibly illegal stories of their time together on the bus. Stay tuned for the new series titled CHARLOTTE & EBBIES SHORT BUS CHRONICLES. The real truth will be televised one day.

Charlotte discovered cake decorating through her neighbor Ruth Baker and baking through her grandmother in law Ruth Turner. She excelled at both winning awards in city wide design and baking competitions. With all her accolades still her favorite use of her skills was being the family cake, pie, bread maker. We grew up licking cake batter out of mixing bowls which is why I blame her for me never achieving those abs of steel. She lovingly created many of the families wedding cakes, graduation cakes, weekend apple dumplings, lemon meringue pies, get well cupcakes and Sunday dinner rolls. The undeniable Charlotte Robinson signature was receiving a cake with a slice cut out of it (for testing purposes only) or maybe a half of a cake instead of a whole one because another family member got the other half. If you were lucky enough to have one of her desserts you knew that you were considered family and loved dearly.

She is most legendary for her thrifty nature and her ability to save money (ok she was a little cheap). She never saw a yard sale, a coupon or a rain check she didn’t like. There is a legendary frugal Charlotte Robinson story coined “The Great Ham Incident of Harford County” co-starring her sister aunt Anne. The short version of the story involves her sister Anne accidentally (or so she says) retrieving Charlottes points for a free Ham when she went grocery shopping and used Charlottes discount number. Well when the mistake was discovered by Charlotte lets just say Anne had to pay the piper. Classic Charlotte Robinson to say the least.

The most important part of her life was intertwined with her faith in Jehovahs Kingdom. We became witnesses in the early 70’s and at first losing celebrating Christmas and birthdays as a kid was a bummer but we all soon learned about her serious devotion to her faith and the promise of everlasting life in Gods Kingdom. She wanted us to learn and appreciate the lessons and didn’t hesitate to pluck an ear if she thought your weren’t listening at the Kingdom Hall. The friends she gained as one of Jehovahs Witnesses became life long and a true part of the joy and love she experienced in her everyday life.

My dear mother Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer a terrible disease in March of this year. Her attitude was that she would fight the good fight against cancer but she believed wholeheartedly in Jehovahs Kingdom and the promise of everlasting life in the new system. We pray that day does come and we see her beautiful smile again, we feel the warmth of her genuine love and get a slice of that blueberry pound cake with the rum sauce of course.

Charlotte Robinson you are cherished and will be missed; as you always said………..Love You Forever.