Mrs. Dorothy Mae “Mother” Johnson Robinson, 82, of Shelby, NC departed this life for her eternal home on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at White Oak Manor- Kings Mountain, NC. She was born on March 29, 1940 in Lincoln County, NC to the late Rosetta Brooks and the late Benjamin Sowell.

Dorothy was a graduate of New Bold High School in Lincolnton, NC. After high school, she eventually moved to NY where she met and married her husband, Robert. After starting their family in NY, they relocated back to NC in 1974 settling in Shelby. Dorothy retired from Grover Industries and continued working as a nursing assistant sitting and caring for the elderly.

“Mother” as she was affectionately called by her children and others alike was a woman of great style and elegance and expressed herself in her love of fashing, interior decorating and the beautiful hats that she wore. Her love for people was always evident by the warm smile that she greeted you with. A very active and social person, she loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking, gardening and dancing. She also enjoyed collecting turtles.

Dorothy was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She was also a former member of Emma V. Kelly Temple #748 of Shelby, NC. Daughter Dorothy Robinson joined Emma V. Kelly #748 in 1982 remaining a faithful hardworking daughter until Emma V. Kelly #748 was closed. While serving as a member, Daughter Robinson wore many hats and served in the capacity of these positions as Financial Secretary, Doorkeeper, Chaplain, Gatekeeper and Recording Secretary. Daughter Robinson received her Past State President honors in 1992 from the state of North Carolina. She was also a member of Azalea LaRose Kelly Council serving in the capacity of Escort, Chaplain, Doorkeeper and Gatekeeper upon joining in 1982. Daughter Robinson’s contribution to Elkdom will be missed. She always assisted with fundraisers for Emma V. Kelly Temple #748 and Reciprocity Lodge #693 as well as supporting the Easter Egg Hunts, Thanksgiving Dinner Community Meals and other Elk’s functions. Her contributions for 50 years of service will be remembered as an asset to the Emma V. Kelly Temple #748 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the World. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Robert Robinson, Jr., Jonathan Maurice Robinson and Henry Antonio Robinson; a grandson, Shawn Chambers and a sister, Susie Magness.

She leaves to cherish fond memories to her husband of 56 years, Robert Louis Robinson, Sr.; her children, Cynthia Ruff (Randy), Rosanna Dorsey, Rodney Robinson (Tabitha) and Anita Robinson-Toms (Olan) all of Shelby; 19 grandchildren;32 great-grandchildren;8 great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Libby Caldwell; good friend, Margie Fowler both of Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM and at other times at 914 Woodland Drive Shelby.