Born in Babbie, Alabama to Barney J. and Sophronia M. Wiggins, Elinor graduated from Opp High School at age 16, and promptly left farm life to pursue a career. With WWII still underway, jobs traditionally held by men became open to women for the first time. Elinor took advantage of this opportunity, and signed up for a government program at Troy University and the University of Alabama, where she was trained to repair radio and radar on airplanes. This education took her to New Orleans and then to Mobile, Alabama, where she was employed at Brookley Field Airforce Base. At 18 years old, Elinor was the youngest woman they had ever hired to supervise others in this job. She was also the first woman allowed up in one of the military planes she had helped repair.
It was at Brookley that Elinor met her future husband, Cecil E. Robinson. They were married in 1946 and resided in Mobile. During their 58-year-long marriage, Elinor held numerous jobs, including that of secretary/personal assistant to a Clinical Psychologist… a position she truly enjoyed. In addition to work, Elinor was also involved in her church, Springhill Baptist, where she and Cecil were two of the founding members. She also volunteered for community and school activities, and particularly enjoyed her role as “band mom” for “The Ghostriders.” Started by her son Tony in 1967, and managed by her husband, this dance and show band continued playing in the Mobile area until Cecil’s death in 2004. Until that time, Elinor loved attending the many parties and dances where the band performed… especially Mardi Gras Balls. Both she and Cecil were excellent dancers, and up until her recent passing, Elinor would take the dance floor any chance she could. Another activity she continued throughout her long life was gardening. In fact, she was often found weeding the flower beds at Westminster Village. So much so, the grounds keepers ended up giving Elinor her own garden gloves.
As with most people, Elinor’s true joy came from her family and friends. In turn, she was loved for her honesty; her intelligence; her dedication, and most of all, her sharp wit and sense of humor.
Elinor was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and “Fronie” Wiggins; her brothers, Mack and Nathan Wiggins; her sisters, Lillian Wiggins and Ethelene Sellers, and her beloved husband, Cecil.
She is survived by her children, Tony (Kathy) Robinson of Birmingham; Pam (John) Todd of Daphne; grandsons, Ryan (Cortney) Robinson, Brad (Ami) Robinson, and Hays (Victoria) Todd; granddaughter, Anna Todd; step-granddaughter, Katelyn (Coryghan) Hunter; great-grandchildren, Ashlea, Haley, Skyler, Kale and Taylor Robinson; sister, Margaret Sutton, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Her family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the many loving, caring nurses and aides at Westminster Village and Willow Brooke Court.
Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.
