Norma Jean Robinson's Obituary
Norma Jean Robinson was born on December 30, 1940, in Blowing Springs, Georgia, to the late Dink and Gracie Price Eddings. The youngest of four children, she dedicated her life to faith, accepting Christ in June 1975 in the home she shared with her husband. She worshiped alongside her husband, Dr. Marshall Robinson, at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church until 1974. In 1977, she became a founding member of the Independent Mission, which later became Grace Baptist Tabernacle in 1980, where she faithfully served as First Lady for 30 years. A devoted supporter of the Independent Baptist Fellowship, she remained steadfast in her faith until her passing.
She was educated in the Walker County School System and graduated from Hill High School in LaFayette, GA. Norma Jean later worked as the head cook at Orange Grove Centers for 15 years. She also worked briefly at Girls Inc. until her daughter Veronica’s illness required her to become a full-time caretaker, a role she lovingly fulfilled until Veronica’s passing in 2002.
Norma Jean had a passion for cooking and took great joy in preparing meals for her family and friends, especially when hosting Sunday dinners and special gatherings. She was unapologetically herself—genuine and outspoken, never leaving anyone to wonder where she stood. Confident and strong-willed, yet caring, loving, and kind, she balanced warmth with a no-nonsense attitude. She deeply cherished her family and friends and found joy in fashion, decorating, traveling, shopping, and, most of all, spending time with the love of her life, Marshall Robinson.
On February 24, 2025, at the age of 84, Norma Jean transitioned from labor to reward at her home in Ooltewah, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Veronica Leah Robinson; parents, Dink and Gracie Price Eddings; siblings: Aretha Walker, Roberta Malone, and Paul Eddings; father-in-law: William T. Robinson, Sr.; mother-in-law: Mrs. Maxie Robinson Conner (Gabe); brothers-in-law: William T. Robinson, Jr., Rev. Zack D. Robinson, and Joseph Robinson; and sisters-in-law: Mary Lawrence, Magnolia Bell, and Myrtle Johnson.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 63 years, Rev. Dr. Marshall Robinson; sisters-in-law: Edith R. Swafford (best friend and caregiver), Janie Robinson, and Mattie Lois Robinson (all of Chattanooga); special niece Juliete (Robert) Samuel (Decatur, GA); nieces: Diane Sumpter and Rosemary Brown (both of Canton, OH), Constance Flint (Thomaston, GA); Cynthia Jackson, Maxie (Joe) Benton, Cynthia Renee (Michael) Chapman, Delores Lawrence, Karen Johnson, Janis (Harold) Robinson, and Warnesta Robinson (all of Chattanooga, TN); and Nannette Byrdsong and Tara Mack (both of Rome, GA) and special great-niece Deunna Bledsoe (Ooltewah, TN).
She is also survived by nephews: Marvin and Michael (Elaine) Malone, special nephew, Thurman Wellon; Wesley Lawrence, William (Cathy) Robinson, III, Darryl Robinson, Jeffery Robinson, Johnny Robinson, Sam Brown, Olliie Powell, (all of Chattanooga, TN), and Charles Flint (Rome, GA).
She cherished her cousins, Allen and Brenda Bearden (Chicago, IL), and deeply valued her special family and friends, including Patricia and Commissioner Gregory Beck, Mary and Rev. Jessie Benn (Anniston, AL), and Sarah and Rev. Dr. Jessie Broadnax.
As a devoted godmother, she is also survived by her beloved godchildren, Dianni (caregiver) and Gerald Jones, as well as Francis and R.V. Brown of Tampa, FL. In addition, she leaves behind a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and many treasured friends.
Norma Jean’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She will lie-in-state on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Tabernacle Church. Funeral service will be on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Tabernacle Church with Dr. Lynwood Davis of North East Baptist Temple Church. Burial on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 12 noon in Lakewood Memory Gardens East.
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