Vanesta Louise Poitier Robinson

The world bids farewell to Vanesta Louise Poitier Robinson of Silver Spring, Maryland, who departed this life on November 6, 2025, at the age of 73, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s Disease. Her passing leaves a quiet ache in the hearts of all who knew her, yet her memory continues to shine brightly—cherished by a grateful family, a loving community, and generations of students and clients whom she guided with compassion and conviction.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1952 to Reginald and Ethel Poitier, Vanesta was a woman of grace, strength, and unwavering faith. She received her early education at Our Ladies Primary School and Aquinas College. She became a mother early in life, welcoming her first child, Arpege Monet Poitier, on July 28, 1970. With the guidance and loving support of her uncle, the late Sir Sidney Poitier, she traveled to the United States to continue her education and pursue expanded opportunities. She later welcomed her son Kyle Alston on January 27, 1972.

Vanesta went on to attend Virginia Union University, where she studied pre-medicine as part of the Class of 1973. It was there that she met and married George Robinson Jr. (U.S. Army). Together they welcomed two sons: George Robinson III, born July 27, 1975 and Gamaal Robinson, born September 11, 1977.

Committed to lifelong learning and the service of others, Vanesta later enrolled at Howard University, where she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1991. She earned her Master of Social Work and pursued doctoral studies in Social Work. Her intellectual curiosity, discipline, and deep compassion fueled a remarkable career rooted in advocacy, empowerment, and transformative care.

Vanesta was an extraordinary social worker, professor, therapist, author, and mentor. Fierce in her dedication and tender in her approach, she championed clients in crisis, uplifted communities in need, and inspired countless students to lead with integrity and purpose. She co-authored the 1997 article “A Rite of Passage Approach Designed to Preserve the Families of Substance-Abusing African American Women,” published in Child Welfare.

Her professional journey included serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia (2006–2010) and at Morgan State University (2013–2019). She was the Co-Founder of HKJ Behavioral Health Services in Baltimore (2012), and the Founder and former owner of the International Institute for Health and Professional Development.

Beyond her achievements, Vanesta’s greatest joy and most cherished role was being what her family lovingly called the “Family First Lady.” She loved her family dearly, leading with wisdom, warmth, and a devotion that never wavered. To Vanesta, family extended far beyond bloodlines. Anybody she encountered was treated like family—welcomed, embraced, and cared for with the same sincerity and generosity she gave her own. Her door was always open, her table always extended, and her heart always full.

Her home was a sanctuary—filled with love, laughter, wisdom, and meals that brought everyone together. She offered encouragement, a listening ear, and wise counsel freely and joyfully. Her faith anchored her life, and her love anchored her family.

She was Preceded in Death

Michael (brother), Phillip (brother), Basil (brother), John (brother)

Ethel (mother), Reginald (father)

George Robinson Jr. (husband)

Sir Sidney Poitier (uncle)

She Is Survived By

Siblings: Heartman, Eugene, Stephanie, Patrick, and Bruno

Children:

Monet, Kyle (Danielle), George (Nicole), Gamaal

Grandchildren:

Jasmine (Issac), Nia, Khayla, Kamaria, Kiyana, Ebony,

Ayanna, Anaiah, Kyla, Jalen, Brooke

Great-Grandchildren:

Kaelani, Gianni, Brielle, Jawan, Issac Jr.,

Allyssa, Jacob, Khalaia

Vanesta leaves behind a legacy of resilience, grace, scholarship, service, and boundless generosity. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing she is resting in the arms of the Lord. Her spirit continues to shine through the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the countless students and clients she empowered.

She will be deeply missed, profoundly remembered, and forever loved.

A visitation will be held at Bridgeway Community Church, located at 9189 Red Branch Road, Columbia, MD 21045, on November 21, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same venue from 10:00 am to 11:15 am.