Sue Ann Robinson Marion, 78, passed away at the Augusta Health Shenandoah Hospice House on Friday, September 20, 2019. Sue was born April 21, 1941 in Schenectady, NY to the late Clarence Fisher Robinson and late Olive "Babe" Mae Hartman Robinson.
Sue was an art educator for 48 years. After securing her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Radford College (1963) she began teaching in the public school systems beginning in Athens, Georgia before returning to Virginia, teaching briefly in Lexington before returning to Waynesboro where she primarily taught in the Waynesboro Public Schools at Westwood Hills. In 1983, she began her career at Mary Baldwin College as an Instructor of Art/Education and continued her passion teaching young adults and influencing young lives until she retired in 2011.
During her time at MBC, she pursued and achieved her Master of Science in Art from Radford University. Also during this period of time she served as the Artist in Residence for schools both in Augusta County and Staunton. Following her retirement, she continued her passion by lending her talents to North Branch School, Afton. Sue was a mentor to future teachers, artists and students. She taught Baldwin Online and Adult Program classes, held workshops for local art teachers, worked with gifted and talented students and those with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.
Sue was very honored over the years to participate in Waynesboro's Fall Foliage Festival. She loved talking to people about her artwork, her inspirations and inspiring others to love art and education.
Sue was not just an educator. She was first and foremost a loving mother to six children who were her life; Jaime Marion (Debra) of Waynesboro, Chris Marion (Lucy) of Fishersville, Thad Marion (Lindsay Kennedy) of Waynesboro, Terri Lynn Griffin (Adam) of Buffalo, NY, Seth Marion (Jeanette) of Waynesboro and Lukens Marion of Waynesboro, VA. Sue or Grandma Sasue, is survived by 15 grandchildren all of whom she loved dearly; Chris Patient, Nathaniel Marion, Cooper Marion, Simone Marion, Abby Holland, Emma Holland, Braylon Marion, Zoey Griffin, Jack Griffin, Ryan Griffin, Blake Marion, Madison Marion, Jordan Marion, Layton Marion and Keghan Marion. Sue would go from school activity to sport activity to be there to support her grandchildren. Any chance she would get she would teach them different art activities. Sue was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by two sisters, Sandi Nitz of Troy, NY and Tina Davis (Steve) of Waynesboro, VA.; and others that she would call her own.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Taylor Sorrells-Marion and brother, Terry Fisher Robinson.
She never forgot her roots in NY. Her parents would vacation at Sand Point Beach on Schroon Lake, NY during the summers. As the years went on Sue would continue this tradition with her children and grandchildren. Schroon Lake, NY and Sand Point Beach were Sue's happy place. She had many friends that were like family there. She loved getting up early in the morning to drink her coffee and sit to watch the calmness of the lake.
A memorial service held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St., Waynesboro with Rev. Karen Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to your local school’s art program or to Augusta Health Foundation, C/O Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.
