Obituary of Cheryl Ann Robinson

Cheryl Ann (Burton) Robinson, returned to her heavenly home on April 1, 2020, after a brief stay at the Virtua Voorhees Hospital. As in life, Cheryl transitioned in a dignified manner, peacefully surrounded by several dedicated members of the Nursing/Medical staff that cared for her during her hospitalization. Cheryl was born in Philadelphia, PA, on November 2, 1947, to Charles W. and Ouida M. Burton. Cheryl was introduced to her Christian values at a young age which served as the basis for her humanitarian ways. Cheryl was the “Baby Girl” of the family. Her brothers and sisters proudly looked after her while growing up together in West Philadelphia. It was also there on 55 th and Osage Avenue, where she would first meet her friend, college sweetheart and husband, Milton. Cheryl was an exemplary student while attending Andrew Hamilton Elementary School and John Bartram High School. Her love for education and passion for teaching led her to become a proud Cheyney University graduate with a major in Elementary Education, Class of 1969. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education from Antioch University and completed graduate studies in Early Childhood Development at the University of Delaware. Cheryl began her teaching career at Wolf Elementary School in the Eastwick neighborhood followed by a 30-year tenure at the Penrose Elementary School, educating multiple generations of young students from Southwest Philadelphia. Cheryl was blessed with a large, loving, extended family, which inspired her to have one of her own. She was united in marriage to Milton A. Robinson on August 7, 1971. From this union they welcomed Crystal Renee and Charles Douglas (“Robbie”) and later relocated from Philadelphia to Voorhees, NJ, where they raised them with patience, discipline and humility. Together, they supported all their children’s academic success, artistic achievements and athletic pursuits. Cheryl was a dynamic descendant of strong, educated, professional women which is reflected in the development of her children’s lives. So, it comes as no surprise, as parents, they were instrumental in imparting a deep appreciation of their African American heritage as well. Cheryl and Milton remain active within the South Jersey & Philadelphia communities via Second Baptist Church-Moorestown, NJ, New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cheyney National Alumni Association (Life Members), the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia as well as several other educational, social, cultural and historical organizations. Cheryl has – “ALWAYS” - been an unwavering cheerleader for the “less fortunate.” She was kind and soft-spoken; making time to answer a question or solve a problem no matter how small. However, those who knew her well would agree that she was truly a tenacious, “Tower of Power!” Cheryl mentored/advised countless individuals; taking tremendous pride in their achievements and successes. Despite her personal challenges, Cheryl moved forward in life in an eloquent manner with fortitude, determination and a decided mindset to be “HAPPY.” She will be dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator. Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Milton Alvin Robinson; beautiful daughter, Crystal Renee and handsome son, Charles Douglas; loving daughter-in-law, Unicity Dawn; adorable granddaughters Riley Nicole, Lilian Grace and Vivien Joy who were the apples of her eye. Her Dearest Mother, Ouida M. Burton; beloved brother Francis Burton; treasured sisters, Mrs. Marva B. Darby and Mrs. Delois Nedd; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her adoring father, Charles W. Burton and charismatic brother, Douglas Burton. The family would like to extend a special tribute to Cheryl’s caregivers, visiting nurses and medical specialists. We truly appreciated their compassion, reliability and professional expertise. Also, we want to acknowledge the spiritual support she received from her Second Baptist Church family; the many cards, phone calls and home visitations helped to sustain her spiritual foundation and morale. The family has elected not to have an abbreviated service at this time due to current state-wide constraints of COVID-19. Once these parameters have been lifted, we will communicate plans to properly memorialize Cheryl. We thank you for your understanding and for respecting the family’s wishes. FAMILY FAREWELL You were the light of our lives, with love and fond memories, in God's arms you can gently rest in peace, loving you always.... "Love one another deeply from the heart" 1 Peter 1:22 NIV CRYSTAL, CHARLES, AND MILTON TRIBUTE WALL *Please feel free to upload your favorite memory and/or image of Cheryl (under the Tribute Wall section) so we can potentially use for a later memorial service and/or keepsake. DONATIONS **In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the following charities and organizations in memory of Cheryl: National Multiple Sclerosis Society https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=55995&55995.donation=form1 (Under “Honor Gift Type,” please select “In Memory of” from the dropdown menu" (Please type, “Cheryl Ann Robinson” in the Honoree Name field) Philadelphia Foundation https://www.philafound.org/give-now/ (Under, “Select a Cause” choose Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Class of 1969 Endowed Scholarship Fund from the dropdown menu) (Under, “Is this an Honorary or Memorial Gift?” select “YES” from dropdown menu) (Under Choose of One of the following, “In memory of” from dropdown menu) (Under, “Name of person this gift is in memory of” please type “Cheryl Ann Robinson”) Virtua Health https://foundation.virtua.org/donate (Under Donate Information Designation, choose “Professional Nursing Practice” from the dropdown menu) (Tribute Information Name, “Cheryl Ann Robinson”) (Tribute Type, “In Memory of”) (Tribute Description – “Cheryl Ann Robinson”) # # #