Mrs Elizabeth Robinson

LEGACY OF LIFE ELIZABETH CAROLE DOWD ROBINSON THERE IS A TIME TO BE BORN Elizabeth Carole Dowd Robinson was born in Manhattan, New York, on January 14, 1946, the third child and only daughter of Ora Cecil Hoskins-Dowd and Charles Scotton Dowd of Asheboro, N. C. She began life living in Harlem, N. Y. with her parents and four brothers: Charles A Dowd (deceased), Cecil B. Dowd of Randallstown, M.D., William L. Dowd (deceased), and Barre N. Dowd of Providence, R.I. THERE IS A TIME TO BE EDUCATED In New York City she began her education experience at Public School 23. Her love of school made her decide to become a teacher. During her formative years, Elizabeth was called Carole by family and friends; she grew up thinking that was her first name. The family later moved to Providence, R. I., to be closer to her mother’s sister after her parents separated. Carole attended Roger Williams Junior High School and graduated from Central High School in June 1966. While there, Carole became the first female President of the Student Government Association. On graduation, she received a diploma with the name Elizabeth Carole Dowd written on it. This discovery led to her lifelong belief that children should be called only by their given names, which she always vowed to do throughout her career. She proudly took her “new” name, moved back to New York City and began working at the New York Telephone Company as a Business Representative. THERE IS A TIME TO PLAN After three years, Elizabeth became dissatisfied working at the telephone company as the need to become a teacher continued to press upon her. In January 1969, Elizabeth left New York and enrolled at North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, N. C., with the plan of becoming a teacher. Elizabeth would graduate from Fayetteville State University, after getting married, with a degree in Early Childhood Education (1973) and later pursed and received her Master’s Degree in Education Administration (1985). THERE IS A TIME TO LOVE Two hearts became one on January 31, 1971, when Elizabeth married fellow Aggie, Andrew Levi Robinson, Jr. (deceased). The Robinson’s would settle in Robeson County, in the town of Parkton, to live, work and raise their family. To this union four lovely daughters were born, Andrea Ora Robinson (deceased), Dr. Nicole Rene’ Robinson of Philadelphia, PA, Shayla Vene’ Robinson of Durham, NC, and Dr. Leah Elizabeth Robinson of Ann Arbor, MI. Elizabeth enjoyed the birth, life, and free spirit of her only grandchild, Andrew Robinson-Mitchell of Durham, NC, who became the “the light” of his Gran’s life. THERE IS A TIME TO WORK Elizabeth was hired by the Public Schools of Robeson County as a reading teacher at Hilly Branch Elementary School in Lumberton, N.C. After a year, she began teaching kindergarten at St. Paul School, St. Pauls. N.C. Elizabeth later transferred to Parkton School in 1974 to teach first grade. In 1978, she became Assistant Principal, and in 1984, she was promoted to serve as the first female and African American principal at Parkton School. Elizabeth later served as principal at Red Springs Middle School in 1988, where she remained until she retired in 2004. Elizabeth loved teaching so much so that she returned to tutor students in reading at St. Pauls Middle School until 2011. Over the course of her career, she touched the lives of many, many students. THERE IS A TIME TO BELIEVE As a young girl Elizabeth Carole became a member of Parry Avenue Baptist Church Providence RI, where she enjoyed attending Sunday School. As a adult she became a member of First Baptist Missionary Church of Parkton, N. C. She was active and held many roles: secretary of the Floral Club, member of the Pastors Aid Club, Chairperson of the Christian Education Committee. While serving, she developed a Children’s Zone Program for children 4 to 12 years of age. She enjoyed the fellowship of her church family and felt right at home. THERE IS A TIME TO SAY FAREWELL on a Wednesday evening, March 25th, 2020, Elizabeth graduated from this life to be with her heavenly Father. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. Now, I will make you a ruler over many things.” All who knew Elizabeth can attest to the fact.

Mrs Elizabeth Robinson

January 14, 1946 - March 25, 2020