Mildred Cooper Robinson

Mildred Cooper Robinson (Millie), age 89, of Maryville, TN, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on October 31, 2018. She was the last surviving sibling of the eleven children of Rowland and Mary Elizabeth Cooper. Born in New Hyde Park, New York, she came south to attend Maryville College, where she was voted “Girl of the Year” in 1952. She had a beautiful alto voice and met her future husband, Bill Robinson, in the college’s Concert Choir where she served as student assistant to Maryville’s choral conductor, Dr. Harry Harter, and organized the choir’s concert tours, securing bus transportation, lodging and meals for the trips. She earned her Master’s degree at Columbia University’s Teachers College and taught many years in Kingsport, TN. She was a nurturing and innovative teacher at school, home, and church. Millie was a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. After raising a family in Kingsport, TN, she and her husband retired to Maryville where they were active in First Baptist Church, Maryville, and in the Alumni Association of Maryville College. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, William N. Robinson, Sr. She is survived by their children: Bill Robinson, Jr. (Martha); Ann Robinson-Craig (Dr. Chris Craig); Bob Robinson (Martha); Susan Hoover (Roger); Mary Dodson (Brian); and Tom “TR” Robinson (Cindy); and Yebalibinga “Freddie” Robinson (Susan). She is also survived by her late husband’s sister, Peggy Mobley and husband John and numerous nephews and nieces. Her proudest legacy was a large and loving family, which included her grandchildren Bailey Riddle; Sarah Craig, Carolyn Craig; Ellen Robinson Price (Dr. Geoff Price), Dr. Bradley Robinson (Francesca), Elizabeth Robinson Patton (Travis), Grant Robinson; Roger William Hoover; Jacob Dodson, Matthew Dodson; Joey Robinson (Julia), Kelsey Robinson; Yeba Robinson, Muta Robinson, and her great-grandchildren Evey Smith and Ella Riddle; Mary Peyton, Catherine, and Hudson Price; and Colette and Elliott Robinson. She loved dolls and chose a different doll specifically for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild. Family gatherings were always joyous ones with laughter, music, and family fun. Warmest thanks to Dr. Kim Cline, B.J., and special caregiver Melody Buck. Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Smith West Chapel. A Celebration of Millie’s life will be at 11:00 AM with Rev. Charles Ballard officiating. There will be a private family burial at Clark’s Grove Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mildred Cooper Robinson please visit our Sympathy Store.