Harriet L Robinson

Mrs. Harriet Lucille (McKeever) Robinson, 82, passed away peacefully at Heritage Place on the morning of April 20, 2017. She was a retired middle school teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and former Sunday school teacher in the Baptist Temple Church. She was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Mrs. Robinson dedicated her life to improving the quality of life for others initially as a nurse but mostly as an educator. She was a mentor and role model for her students in both school and church settings. And she was especially sensitive to the needs of the culturally disadvantaged and the spiritually inquisitive. She endeavored to nurture and nourish the promise and potential in others. Harriet Robinson enjoyed cooking and gardening. Her passion for cooking stemmed from her love of gardening. She was a member of the Knotty Pine Garden Club, one of the few African American Garden Clubs in Allegheny County. She maintained many flower, vegetable, and herb gardens around her home. All were used to either adorn the home with beautiful bouquets or used in rich cooking, a family affair every weekend. Extended family enjoyed hearty meals on holidays and special occasions. Mrs. Robinson baked cookies, cakes, and pies for family gatherings and holiday events at Baptist Temple. Harriet Robinson enjoyed jazz and gospel music. Almost every room in her home had a source of music: radio, stereo players, and TV. Music, especially gospel and contemporary adult music, played frequently. Whenever riding in the car, the radio was always tuned to music. Mrs. Robinson loved to read, especially history and literature reflecting African American heritage and culture. She also enjoyed modern music and classic movies. However, her favorite pastimes were family picnics and reunions, whether held in a public park or at her private residence. She believed that a family gave its members roots to understand themselves and wings to realize their dreams. Mrs. Robinson was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and confidante. Mrs. Robinson leaves to celebrate her home-going her beloved husband Roland Robinson, Sr., daughters Karen Robinson and Allison Robinson, daughter-in-law Geraldine Robinson, grandson Cavin Robinson (Franche) and family, granddaughter Constance Gamble (Jonathan) and family, sister Esther Hamiel, brother Benjamin McKeever, niece Denise Bunger and family, nephew David Roberson (Tameica), cousins Helen Todd and Robert Stroud (Talitha), sisters-inlaw Doris McKeever and Sara Prioleau and family, “special sister” LaRue Sowell (Henry), and other loving relatives and friends. .