Obituary for Laura M Robinson
Laura M. Robinson, 81, of Jacksonville, Florida, was born August 20, 1941, to Lenton and Fred Lang. She closed her eyes for the final time on earth on Sunday, October 2, 2022, and opened them in heaven for all eternity. She was not alone in her departure, holding the hands of family as GOD called her home.
Laura had an expansive career, holding various positions; some may recall her working at JM Fields until she established a career with the Bell System and family of companies. She was relentless in her efforts to improve herself. Laura remarried and eventually moved to Patterson, NJ, which liberated her from the challenges of the south, and she was able to join Jersey Bell as an operator.
After several years, she ultimately returned to Jacksonville following a service transfer and joined Southern Bell as an information specialist (411). Other titles held include repair clerk, payroll administrator, and others. To prevent her from being relocated or downsized, after achieving 30 plus years, she returned to information services, where she retired.
Laura was taught to make a difference. While at Southern Bell, Laura saw a need to expand cultural awareness and was approved to introduce Black History Month. She and many of her friends banded together to ensure the event's success, which continued for many years. This event was ahead of its time and helped bridge unity for those employed on Merrill Rd, and this is an example of the various ways in which she championed civil rights.
Laura was a devoted daughter and worked split shifts to help care for her mom, serving as the primary caregiver for as long as possible. She was thoughtful and caring. She loved to celebrate others. Her laugh was infectious, and her smile was contagious, and if you were on the receiving end of her birthday song, you couldn't help to be filled with joy and love. She loved her sons, and they love her still.
Laura became one of the Mothers of the Church (New Beginnings Ministries of Jacksonville, Inc.); she was a breast cancer survivor, a supporter of equal rights, loved cruises, football, and her dogs April, Andrew, and her mom's Sugar Boy, they gave her tremendous joy.
During her later years in life, her kidneys began to fail. After her primary care physician retired, her new physician discovered the existing damage while performing routine exams. Dialysis eventually became a normal part of her reality, and she was cared for at Normandy Village Dialysis Center. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, of each week, she was up at 4:00 a.m., was dressed by 4:45 a.m., and was picked up by JTA Transport by 5:30 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. dialysis sign-on session. The team became an extended family, and we are forever grateful to them.
To know her is to love her. You knew where you stood with her. Those who knew her knew she loved to travel, play in the casinos, live life to the fullest, and thank God for all she accomplished. She wanted to travel to Alaska, but God selected her next destination, HEAVEN.
From your sons, Anthony, and Joseph, you prepared us for life's challenges, taught us to love, and always gave us your best. You gave all you had, and now you can rest. We thank GOD for making you, our mother. While the hands of time cannot be turned back, we still wish for one more day, one more hour or even just a minute to hold you once again.
Laura leaves behind two sons, Anthony (Sara) Brightman Sr. and Joseph J. Robinson III; sister, Dr. Freddie Groomes – McLendon; brother, Curtis Lang; five grandchildren, Anthony Brightman Jr., Alexis Brightman, Jazmeria J. Robinson, Janiah N Robinson and Quinisha Lewis; three great-grandchildren, J'ream Harris, Heavenly Howard and Kjalil Lewis; nieces and nephews of the Groomes, Crews and Shack families as well as a host of other family members, and friends, some have preceded her in death. It brings us comfort to know they were there to welcome her.
Laura had an expansive career, holding various positions; some may recall her working at JM Fields until she established a career with the Bell System and family of companies. She was relentless in her efforts to improve herself. Laura remarried and eventually moved to Patterson, NJ, which liberated her from the challenges of the south, and she was able to join Jersey Bell as an operator.
After several years, she ultimately returned to Jacksonville following a service transfer and joined Southern Bell as an information specialist (411). Other titles held include repair clerk, payroll administrator, and others. To prevent her from being relocated or downsized, after achieving 30 plus years, she returned to information services, where she retired.
Laura was taught to make a difference. While at Southern Bell, Laura saw a need to expand cultural awareness and was approved to introduce Black History Month. She and many of her friends banded together to ensure the event's success, which continued for many years. This event was ahead of its time and helped bridge unity for those employed on Merrill Rd, and this is an example of the various ways in which she championed civil rights.
Laura was a devoted daughter and worked split shifts to help care for her mom, serving as the primary caregiver for as long as possible. She was thoughtful and caring. She loved to celebrate others. Her laugh was infectious, and her smile was contagious, and if you were on the receiving end of her birthday song, you couldn't help to be filled with joy and love. She loved her sons, and they love her still.
Laura became one of the Mothers of the Church (New Beginnings Ministries of Jacksonville, Inc.); she was a breast cancer survivor, a supporter of equal rights, loved cruises, football, and her dogs April, Andrew, and her mom's Sugar Boy, they gave her tremendous joy.
During her later years in life, her kidneys began to fail. After her primary care physician retired, her new physician discovered the existing damage while performing routine exams. Dialysis eventually became a normal part of her reality, and she was cared for at Normandy Village Dialysis Center. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, of each week, she was up at 4:00 a.m., was dressed by 4:45 a.m., and was picked up by JTA Transport by 5:30 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. dialysis sign-on session. The team became an extended family, and we are forever grateful to them.
To know her is to love her. You knew where you stood with her. Those who knew her knew she loved to travel, play in the casinos, live life to the fullest, and thank God for all she accomplished. She wanted to travel to Alaska, but God selected her next destination, HEAVEN.
From your sons, Anthony, and Joseph, you prepared us for life's challenges, taught us to love, and always gave us your best. You gave all you had, and now you can rest. We thank GOD for making you, our mother. While the hands of time cannot be turned back, we still wish for one more day, one more hour or even just a minute to hold you once again.
Laura leaves behind two sons, Anthony (Sara) Brightman Sr. and Joseph J. Robinson III; sister, Dr. Freddie Groomes – McLendon; brother, Curtis Lang; five grandchildren, Anthony Brightman Jr., Alexis Brightman, Jazmeria J. Robinson, Janiah N Robinson and Quinisha Lewis; three great-grandchildren, J'ream Harris, Heavenly Howard and Kjalil Lewis; nieces and nephews of the Groomes, Crews and Shack families as well as a host of other family members, and friends, some have preceded her in death. It brings us comfort to know they were there to welcome her.