Uncrowned Community Builders

Erma was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on February 15, 1928, to the late Charlie and Mary Jones Anderson. Following her motherÃ?¢ââ??¬ââ??¢s death, her father and oldest sister Lorene reared her. She parted this life on Monday, December 20, 2004.

Erma confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Reverend F.S. Rockquermore at Macedonia Baptist Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. She graduated from Dunbar High School and Langston University, both in Oklahoma. Erma was a studious and conscientious student who utilized education as a stepping stone to her future successes. After a short teaching career, she pursued a career in the Federal Government, working with the Navy Department Bureau of Aeronautics in Washington, D.C.

Erma met her future husband James Robinson, Jr., a childhood friend and native of Oklahoma, who lived in Buffalo, New York. They were united in Holy Matrimony on October 28, 1956, in Washington, D.C. They were blessed with one daughter, Lisa Kaye.

Upon her arrival in Buffalo, Erma embarked on an illustrious career. She dedicated her life to her church, Saint John Baptist, and to community service. She served a Church Clerk for many years and worked with Barbara Barksdale in organizing yearly trips for the youth choir. Erma opened her heart and home to countless children. She had special relationships with many children who today include a number of judges, teachers, principals, and doctors.

She began a career as a case worker supervisor with the Erie County Department of Social Services, later earning a MasterÃ?¢ââ??¬ââ??¢s Degree of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition to her career in Social Work, Erma also served as Director of the Buffalo Board of EducationÃ?¢ââ??¬ââ??¢s Follow Through Program. Erma subsequently returned to the field of education, employed by the Buffalo Public School system as Principal. She retired in 1985.

Erma was well known for her service throughout the community which continued through her work with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. She assisted countless young Deltas on their journey to public service. She worked tirelessly with 1490 Enterprises, wiring and securing several grants. She was instrumental in securing a 1.5 million dollar grant for the 1490 housing development. She was active and instrumental in coordinating the 1490 Black Achievers program. As a result of her outstanding service, she received the Black Achievers Award in 1982, the PresidentÃ?¢ââ??¬ââ??¢s Award in 1988, and, in 2002, 1490 established a scholarship in her honor.

She was a founding board member, advisor, and grant writer for Women for Human Rights and Dignity, Inc. For several years, she was the committee chairperson of Project Joy, the organizationÃ?¢ââ??¬ââ??¢s outreach to women in prison and families, who are in need of assistance during the Christmas Holiday. Erma also assisted in securing funds for McCarley Gardens, a housing initiative of Saint John Baptist Church. These accomplishments are lasting legacies of her commitment to service.