Bernice Celestine Robinson

Ms. Bernice Celestine Robinson, daughter of the late Rev. Charles Robinson, Sr. and Bertil “Bertha” Robinson was born July 27, 1935 at The Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised in North Philadelphia and later her parents and three siblings, Charles Robinson, Jr. (decreased), Geraldine (Robinson) Brantley, and Willie Robinson (decreased) moved to West Philadelphia. Bernice was a self-proclaimed tomboy, who enjoyed climbing trees, playing sports and especially racing the boys and mostly winning. At the age of 13, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ when she was baptized by Rev. Perry Evans at Faith Baptist Church at 29th & York Sts. in Philadelphia, PA. At Faith Baptist Church she enjoyed attending Sunday school and summer bible school. She attended the Philadelphia public schools – Rudolph Walton (Elementary), Thomas Fitzsimons (Junior High School), Kensington and Simon Gratz High Schools. Although she did not formally graduate from high school, she late earned her G.E.D. She was united in holy matrimony to Frederick C. Williams in 1957 (divorced). Shortly afterward, Bernice entered into a life changing opportunity when she became one of the first women who was employed with the United States Postal Service at 30th & Market Sts. in 1963. The United States Postal Service became the center of her social, economic and political life. Bernice was a trailblazing member of the National Alliance (Black Postal Workers Union) and later an active member of the unified American Postal Workers (APW) Union. As a union member she organized members to attend the 1963 March on Washington; hosted Christmas parties for neighborhood children; participated in union bowling and softball leagues and social events; contribute to worker’s right movements and social movement such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) opposing South African apartheid/Free Mandela. As a result of her generous spirit, outspoken nature and warm personality, she was loved and admired by many postal colleagues, friend and family. Bernice later moved to Sicklerville, NJ in 1979 where she resided nearby family and friends. In 1982 she married Leonard Davis (divorced) and remained in Sicklerville, NJ until she retired from the U.S. Postal Service on August 31, 1993. After retirement, she continued to travel extensively and maintained an active social life. After leaving Sicklerville, NJ, Bernice moved to Echelon Towers in Voorhees, NJ where she became the President of the Echelon Towers Social Club. She expanded her activities beyond her residence by working for the PATCO Speedline in Lindenwold and volunteering with Visiting Nurse Senior Medical Daycare. Her political and social endeavors also included being elected Treasurer and President of the Voorhees Senior Citizen Club; Board member of the Cherry Hill, NJ American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Treasurer of the Harvest House Resident Association. Her life as she handwrote, “With all the ups and down in my life I think it was good.” Bernice also wrote, “I love people and always looked for the good side of friends and acquaintances. I like to talk ‘trash’ and play the clown around my friends who I dearly love.” The friend and family that she loved so much will dearly miss her, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her. She quietly departed this life on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at in Duluth, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Robinson, Jr. and Willie Robinson, grandson, Edward (Navy) Roosevelt Stewart Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her sisters Geraldine (Gerri) Brantley of Sewell, NJ and Juanita Bell of Thomasville, GA; children: Lavinia (Vickie) Stewart of Philadelphia PA, Geraldine (Gerri) Robinson of Duluth, GA, and Charles Johnson of York, PA; grandchildren: Demetrius Robinson of Camden, NJ, Nicole Gresham of Snellville, GA, Darnell Booth of York, PA, and Nathan (Nat) Johnson of Philadelphia, PA; great grandchildren Shaquille Robinson of Delran, NJ, Alia Stewart of Hampton VA, Ariana Stewart of Hampton VA, Sanaa Gresham of Snellville, GA, Jibril Al-Uqdah-Robinson and Safa Al-Uqdah-Robinson of Silver Spring, MD and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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Bernice Celestine Robinson

July 27, 1935 - August 8, 2020