Thelma Morse Robinson slipped quietly into eternity on the morning of July 29, 2019, just two days after her 92nd birthday. She was born July 27, 1927, in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, to the late Harrison and Lizzie Jones Morse. Thelma was educated in the public schools of Greenwood County, S.C.
She married her childhood sweetheart, Emmanuel (Sonny) Robinson, at an early age and they moved to Washington, D.C. Thelma and Sonny were blessed with over 40 years of marriage before Sonny’s death in 1986. The couple welcomed the birth of their only child, Victoria Sharion Robinson Jones in 1947. Following a lengthy illness, Sharion passed away in 2008.
In 2013, failing health forced Thelma to leave her church, Israel Baptist, and her long-time residence on Galloway St. NE in Washington, D.C. She is fondly remembered by neighbors and friends who kept in touch throughout her declining health and confinement.
Thelma loved her family, church, friends, and neighbors. Later in life, she learned to dance! She made many good friends in her dance group, the Snappy Steppers, including Don Bowles who became a devoted life partner until his death in 2009.
Thelma was an excellent seamstress. She was employed professionally for many years, making draperies. She took pride in helping clients beautifully and artfully accessorize their homes.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny and her daughter, Sharion. Her brothers, Darnell, Osia, and Thomas (Pete) Morse, and sisters, Verdell Walker, Willie Graham Smith, Hattie Ruth Simmons and Inez Anderson, also preceded her in death.
Loving memories of Thelma—her kindness, generous spirit, love of life—all will be cherished by her beloved grandson, Jonathan Jones (Maria) and great granddaughter Harley Jones. She will also live on in the hearts of her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
