Uncrowned Community Builders

Annie N. (Lawrence) Robinson, known loving as Ann, was born August 23, 1920, in Selma, Alabama. She was an only child born to Henry and Beatrice (Bryant) Lawrence. After a very short illness, Ann departed this earth, Friday, July 1, 2005.

Ann's parents moved to the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area in 1925, where she attended public schools in Holt, Alabama, a suburb of Tuscaloosa. She was very active in school and played basketball, baseball, and track. She also enjoyed cooking and sewing as a young girl and teenager. Ann accepted Jesus as her savior at the age of 10 and deeply loved animals.

Ann met Sam David Robinson, Sr., husband of 62 years, at age 5, while attending church in the community. He was 10 years old at the time when he told his mom, "I'm going to marry Ann one day. In 1936, they married. Ann, Sam. Jr. and Ann's parents joined S.D (Ann's nickname for her husband) in 1943, in Niagara Falls, New York. She remained a resident for 62 years and a Christian, servant, friend, and historian pillar in the Highland Avenue community, until her death. With the exception of the eldest son, Chonita, Carolyn, Charles, and Connie were born in Niagara Falls, NY.

Ann and her family immediately joined the New Hope Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School teacher, choir member, Director of the Baptist Training Union and traveled extensively to Baptist conferences and conventions for her church. She remained a loyal member until her death, having served as deaconess, senior church clerk, and coordinator of the church food bank.

Ann has been recognized on numerous occasions for her civic, religious, and humanitarian efforts in her church and community. In 1988, she was honored by the Niagara County Black Achievers for outstanding community service and support. She has received numerous certificates of appreciation; the Niagara County Office of the Aging and the Niagara County 4H Club were received just prior to retiring. Ann was an active participant in the Chat and Chew program and was a dedicated team player with 'Trail Blazing' senior citizen group. Ann was a founding member of the YCJ Hobby Club, which started in the 1940's. She was also a past matron of Frontier Chapter No. 21 O.E.S. Prince Hall Affiliation.

Ann was last employed and retired from the Cornell University Cooperative Extension. She worked as a nutritionist on healthy cooking and eating for 16 years. She worked as a teacher assistant for the Niagara Falls Board of Education for 12 years at the beginning of the city's mandatory school desegregation. During World War II, Ann worked for the Carborundum Co. for a short time, prior to having her children.

The children, family and friends cherish the lovely and kind memories of Annie N. Robinson. She was deeply loved, respected and appreciated by all who knew her. Her light, love, and a godly example of how we should treat one another will forever live in our hearts and minds. She's that example we all remember who 'walked the talk'.