Stephanie R. Robinson

Hey Steph…

Isn’t that the way all of us start our conversation with you? So often in those conversations you’d say “let me tell you…” While we all know how amazing you are, we still need to tell them. Ironically, that is something you often told many of us. You would say, “People need to know what you do and how valuable you are because they’ll have no problem overlooking you.” 

So, with that, let’s tell everyone about you and your lasting legacy.

You were born and raised in Philadelphia and you traveled the country and beyond stride by stride with your soulmate, Thomas. Throughout those travels you weren’t hesitant in saying “Thomas, where in the (******) do you have me?” Two young fools (at least that’s what a lot of people thought when the two of you married so young) looked the world straight in the eyes and said “Let’s go!” as you raised Nalo and Joey.

You are a woman who anchors her family. To say “anchors” is really an understatement. You are the primary reason for Thomas’ success. You made it possible for him to maneuver through the challenging career of being a Marine without having to change who he was as a person. You allowed for his educational success. Often critiquing his papers by saying, “Thomas, I don’t care what you say, this doesn’t sound right, re-write it!” You were right! You allowed for him to move through challenging environments knowing that no matter what, he was loved and supported, which was priceless. You were a driving force in the success of your children. You demanded accountability while being the ultimate nurturer. Not only were you a mother to your children, you were a mother to family members, their children, and family friends as well. You made sure that every child connected to you was nurtured and cared for.

You are more than a wife and mother. You are a friend, mentor, confidant, advisor, and so much more. It’s no exaggeration to say that wherever you were, some person who didn’t feel fully accepted by society gravitated towards you. When they met you, you made them comfortable enough to look into the proverbial mirror in the process of understanding their worth and value. You made them feel whole. You offered a nonjudgmental ear and advice. You helped build so many people up by providing them with the strength, courage, and a voice to be heard. You are a catalyst for self-empowerment.

To describe you as a friend would require a book (which would be a best seller). To be as brief as possible, you are the ultimate friend. Your nurturing directness is often needed. But more than that, your honesty, humor, concern, loyalty, and being “totally present” captures the essence of being a true friend. It can truly be said that no call for support (even when not fully expressed) was ever left unanswered. Best of all, if someone is considered your friend, then they are also considered family, and they know it.

You had an amazing career in child development serving as a specialist and coordinator. You had a career dedicated to the kids. All of your kids and parents loved you and affectionately referred to you as “Mrs. Steffy” or “Mrs. Tuffy”. Parents knew that when their kids were under you charge, they were taken care of by someone who was concerned. Your career was more than work. It was more than a job. You would always say, “those kids are just as important as mine.” Whenever you left to move on to a different city or country, parents would express the impact that you made on their lives by not having to worry about who was looking after their child. You made sure that every child, regardless of their relationship to you, always felt important.

The fact that you are such an amazingly strong person often made people overlook your vulnerabilities. As a young mother you were concerned about being able to provide enough love to Nalo. You did that and more! You were concerned about loving Joey enough. But you held the additional burden of having to make him understand that life will always different for him because he is a Black man. But, how inspirational have you been in making him strong? You are his driving force, that is how inspirational you are! You have been a beacon of strength through your vulnerabilities.

The most amazing thing about you is that you are unapologetic. I’ll say it again with emphasis, you are unapologetic! You are secure about who you are. You care nothing about someone else’s opinion of you because you are a good person. Your life has been devoted to taking care of people. You know it, and that’s enough for you, it’s enough for your husband, kids, family, and friends. If anyone lives by a philosophy of just being “me,” it’s you! You being you has made so many people whole to a point that they are comfortable with saying “I’m me and I won’t deny myself the joy of being me!”

Steph, pages are not enough to capture you. One of your Sisters (Damarie) said it best when she said, “Steph is a wife, a mom, a friend, she is a mirror that you do not want to look into if you aren’t real, but most of all, she is “The Truth!” You are the absolute truth, and for that, we love you!

Steph continues to support and encourage her soulmate, Thomas; her children, Nalo and Joey; her (send me a picture of my Baby!) grandson, Chase; her Parents, Kenneth (Tar) and Carmen; siblings, Kenny and Lisa; her cousin who is like a brother, Dave; Niece who is like a sister, Nikki;  Sister-Friends, Rachel, Angie, Damarie, Colleen, and Nicole; her Godchildren (Lisa, Stephanie, Richard, Dashon, Dele, and Akeya); her affectionately known “White Children”—Chris and Danielle; an uncle, Bill; Aunts, Annie, Charmaine, Michelle, and Kim; and loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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