BIOGRAPHY

Robinson was born in Greenwood, Wise County, Texas, USA, on 11 November 1910, as the eldest of six children born to parents Felix Johnson England (1881–1935) and Dannie Rebecca Brewer (1883–1981). Her younger siblings were: Alma Louise Allen (1912–1996), Edna Marie Hill (1915–2013), Joseph Robert England (1917–2011), and Mona Fern Mann (1919–2021). One of her brothers, James, died in infancy. Throughout the majority of their lives, all the siblings resided in Wise County alongside their own families, fostering a strong and enduring bond. Her father took on the role of educator, imparting knowledge to his children through the teachings of the Bible, various books, and newspapers, a practice that left a lasting impact on numerous aspects of her adult life. Subsequently, she pursued her studies at schools in both Sycamore and Brumelow, where she completed the 9th grade – the highest grade available at the time. Her interests during her youth and as an adult encompassed a range of activities such as playing softball, honing her sewing skills, and actively participating in local community gatherings. At one point, she contributed a column to the local Greenwood newspaper, highlighting social events and community happenings.  At the age of 21, she voted for the first time in presidential elections.

On 7 November 1934, she married Cecil Claude Robinson (1907–1996) in Love County, Oklahoma. Their paths crossed when Claude visited his brother Earl, who happened to be married to Nina’s sister, Alma. The couple had four children: Harold Ray Robinson (1935–2018), Sylvia Ruth Taylor, Mona Claudine Haley (1940–1989) and Connie Sue Pruett. In 1941, the family relocated to Fresno, California, only to return to Texas the following year. Following her marriage, she dedicated herself to homemaking while also contributing to the farm and dairy they had purchased. Eventually, she started working at the Denton State School, dedicating her efforts to the care of children with special needs.

Her younger sister Mona Fern Mann died in April 2021, aged 101. Until her death, the sisters resided together in the same facility.

Robinson passed away in Decatur, Texas, USA, on 27 December 2021, at the age of 111 years, 46 days. She was survived by her two daughters, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

At the time of death, she was the fourth-oldest known living person in Texas, behind Elizabeth Francis, María Lemus-Treviño and Maynie Earline Andrews.

Her age was validated by LongeviQuest on 24 August 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Nina Ruth Robinson” – Tribute Archive

* “Nina Ruth England Robinson” – FindAGrave

* “Nina Robinson passes” – Wise County Messenger, 29 December 2021

GALLERY

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