On February 7, 2018, Jersey City suffered a great loss of a true legend….Mrs. Gloria Robinson. Trailblazer, Community Leader, Public Housing Advocate, and a Beacon of her community! Gloria was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 30, 1929 to the late Fred Williams Sr. and Ola Price. She attended The Whitney M. Young Elementary School - P.S. #15, The Ollie Culbreth Elementary School - P.S #14, Snyder High School, and completed certification programs at Rutgers University, Jersey City State and Fordham University. In 1953, Mrs. Robinson and her late husband of 56 years, Cornelius Robinson Sr. along with their eleven children, proudly moved into the A. Harry Moore Apartments ("Duncan") and lived there for thirty-five years. Gloria Robinson was well known as a dedicated Social Worker for the Jersey City Child Development Centers - Head Start for thirty - two years where she adored working with children and their parents. Anyone who knew Gloria was familiar with her outstanding leadership and passion for volunteering to work with the Jersey City community, especially at her home in A. Harry Moore Housing Projects. Mrs. Robinson wore many hats. She enjoyed becoming a Building Captain in Duncan Projects where she organized the Tenant Patrol to secure the sites which resulted in the ground breaking Tenant Management Organization where tenants became building managers. Gloria organized three Girl Scouts troops, distributed flyers for block parties and holiday events along with food baskets sponsored by Freeholder Bill ODea. The late Mayor Glenn Cunningham worked closely with Mrs. Robinson to plan field trips for hundreds of children in A. Harry Moore which included going to various sports events, plays, and camps. Gloria continuously advocated and successfully was able to have both a playground built across the street from Duncan along with a summer camp implemented in Lincoln Park where she herself enrolled every child. Mrs. Robinson coordinated food banks and the Share Program for residents of A. Harry Moore who wanted to participate, went to Newark to pick up the food, and distributed it always with a beautiful smile along with her fellow residents. Gloria ensured that the children in the neighborhood also received pulmonary testing as a safety precaution due to the location of the PJP Landfill adjacent to A. Harry Moore. Mrs. Robinson was delighted to be very involved in the political arena as she supported candidates whose campaigns focused on serving the people of Jersey City. In 2009, former Jersey City Mayor Paul T. Jordan, MD reflected on Glorias achievements by saying, "I vividly remember the political battles that she waged to bring decent and caring government to Jersey City. I am proud that during my time as Mayor, she gave me her constant collaboration and unswerving support. Her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for her fellow residents are an inspiration to all members of the community." Gloria Robinson has been an active member on numerous boards and associations including: Commissioner for the Jersey City Housing Authority for 12 years under the leadership of the late Robert J. Rigby, Jr, - Executive Director Aide to former New Jersey Senator Edward T. OConnor, Jr. Y.W.C.A Board N.A.A.C.P Human Resources Board Hudson County Mental Health Board The West Duncan Association The Tenant Association White Lung Association Immunize The Children Board Concerned Citizens Group of A. Harry Moore Countless acts of humility came as second nature to Gloria Robinson as she spent tireless hours performing unselfish acts of giving expecting absolutely nothing in return. Her bold yet modest disposition resulted in Gloria becoming one of the most celebrated women in Jersey City. Among these prestigious awards are: 1972- Mary Bethune Award Combinations Award Outstanding Achievement in the Community Award 1978 - Outstanding Community Service Award A. Harry Moore Head Start Staff Award 1982 - A. Harry Moore Tenant Management Control Award Community Service & Dedication Award Outstanding Leadership Award 1983- Community Appreciation Award from Ward B Dedication to the People of Jersey City Award 1985 - Citation from the Honorable Mayor Anthony R. Cucci of Jersey City 1986 - Share Program/Food Bank Award Frances Thompson Civic Association Women On The Move Honor 1987 - Councilman Thomas Fricchione Award Jersey City Community Service Award 1988 - Community Certificate of Appreciation from City Council President Glenn Cunningham 2009 - Board of Freeholders - Womens History Month Award 2016 - Greater Bergen Community - Head Start - Community Leader Award Gloria always remained humble when accepting her awards and would always refer to her favorite song "People Who Need People Are The Luckiest People in the World." Some of her greatest joys in life were receiving an embrace from the many individuals whose lives she left an impact on! She truly was honored and ecstatic when in 1989, the Jersey City Housing Authority A. Harry Moore Tenant Management Corporation dedicated in the center of Duncan Projects, a pavilion for tutoring and arts & crafts classes named, "The Gloria Robinson Recreation Pavilion." Although Mrs. Robinson was devastated when the A. Harry Moore buildings were demolished, she was truly overjoyed to discover the new complex being built in its place was going to be named, "The Gloria Robinson Court Homes" in 2009. Gloria leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond memories that she and her late husband Cornelius built together with their loving children: Gloria Watford (husband- Robert Watford), Bernard Robinson Sr. (wife - Alma Robinson), Sandra Jones, Maureen Sinclair (husband - Paul Sinclair Sr.), Linda Ann Robinson, Melvin Robinson (wife - Shirley Robinson), Cornelius Robinson Jr. (wife - Diane Chavis-Robinson), Dale Robinson (wife - Sabrina Williams-Robinson), and Steven Robinson. Mrs. Robinson is also survived by her Sister -In -Laws Joyce Moore (husband - George Moore) and Mildred Gibson, half - sisters : Joyce Garvin, Evon Blair, Arlene French, Beverly Williams, Alice Hatcher, Carolyn Baker, Deborah Levine, and Margaret Williams, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces Lenora Hall and Cynthia Milton, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Glorias mother Ola Price and father Fred Williams Sr., two sons Dennis and Kevin Robinson, half-sister Brenda Simpson, two brothers Fred and Robert Williams, and half-brother Sterling Williams preceded her in death. As we celebrate Black History Month, it could not be a better time to reflect on the love and legacy of such an extraordinary woman! This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Gloria Robinson. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please sign "Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.