Elizabeth Smith Robinson

Elizabeth Smith Robinson

March 17, 1917 - October 20, 2026

Elizabeth Smith Robinson of Atlanta, Georgia passed away on October 20th, 2026, at the age of 109. She was born in Newborn, GA on March 17th, 1917, as the daughter of Henry Grady Smith of Newborn and Covington, and Lula Mercer Spears Smith of Madison. She recalled a happy childhood in a small town with friends and cousins. Two of her favorite pastimes were reading in her treehouse and playing tennis. Following local schools, Elizabeth attended Georgia State College for Women and Duke University. Thereafter she began a teaching career which concluded in 1950 at Decatur Girls High where she taught English and History.

Following World War II, she attended a dance at the Naval Air Station in Atlanta. It was there that she met a naval officer from Selma, Alabama, John William Robinson, III, who had served as executive officer on a destroyer and had been assigned to teach naval science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. On July 12th, 1947, they married and were together for the next 60 years. Their children afforded them ample opportunities to support school, church and sports activities. This included PTA, ballgames and particularly scouting. It was a pleasure to both parents that their two sons and two of their grandsons became Eagle Scouts. She regarded the camellias, azaleas, caladiums, and hanging baskets at her Atlanta home as extended family.

Elizabeth was an active member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. One of her last duties was to serve as president of the Altar Guild. She was a past member of the Wildflower Garden Club, the Readers' Club and the Atlanta Symphony Associates. She enjoyed bridge and had a keen interest in politics and sports. She was a world traveler and this, like her reading, was enhanced by her inquisitive and intuitive nature. She was a member of the Capital City Club and the Sea Island Club and went regularly to the Burge-Bolton house, her cherished second home in Newton County, which she helped place on the National Registry of Historic Places.

She is survived by a son, Rutledge Lee Robinson (Betsy), and daughter, Margaret R. Buker (Charles, III); grandchildren include Will Robinson (Lauren), Anna Alldredge (Nathan), Elizabeth Crowley (Andrew), John Robinson (Olivia), Caroline Robinson (James), Charles Buker IV, and Meg Uttley (Benton). Great-grandchildren include Soren Alldredge, Greta Alldredge, Elizabeth Crowley, Jack Crowley, Violet Robinson, Leo Robinson, Louis Uttley and Arthur Uttley. She is survived by a daughter in law, Ellen Robinson. She was predeceased by John William Robinson, III, John William Robinson IV and siblings Helen Smith Allen and Wilson Perry Smith.

The family is grateful to the Emory Clinic staff for its more than five decades of exceptional care and to her devoted caregivers.

A memorial service will be held at the Covington First United Methodist Church, 1113 Conyers Street, Covington, Georgia 30014, on Saturday, November 7th, 2026, at noon. Graveside service to followed at City of Covington Southview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.