Ruth E. Robinson was born to the Rev. Obie and Elizabeth Walker Coe. Her father, a devoted Methodist minister, served congregations throughout Texas.
Ruth earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, graduating with high honors from Huston-Tillotson College (now Huston-Tillotson University) in Austin, Texas. Her outstanding academic achievement earned her a full fellowship in Communication Disorders to pursue graduate studies at Our Lady of the Lake College (now Our Lady of the Lake University) in San Antonio, Texas.
Ruth began her professional career as a teacher of Language Arts, Social Studies, and Music in Crane, Texas. After returning to San Antonio, she served for eight years as a social worker with the United Methodist Church on the city’s south side. Following her family’s move to Dallas, she became one of the first African Americans hired as an Educational Diagnostician by the Dallas Independent School District.
Throughout her distinguished career with Dallas ISD, she advanced to become administrator of the district’s Hospital and Homebound Programs and ultimately retired as Interim Director of Special Education, where she championed educational services for students with disabilities and their families.
A woman of unwavering faith, Ruth dedicated countless hours to the ministries of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church and to leadership within the United Methodist Church at the district, conference, and jurisdictional levels. Her commitment to community service extended far beyond the church.
She served as President of the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and remains a Life Member. She also served as President of the Board of Directors of the Dallas Bethlehem Center and as a board member of Wesley-Rankin Community Center, Promise House, and as a Trustee of Huston-Tillotson University. Ruth is a proud 68+ year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Dallas Retired Teachers Association.
Among her many proud moments was serving as the first delegate representing the newly chartered Trinity (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, at the first Links Assembly in 1994, and later serving as Honorary Chair for the chapter’s 20th Anniversary celebration.
One of her most cherished roles was serving for many years as Chapter Chaplain, providing spiritual leadership and encouragement to her sisters.
Ruth married her college sweet heart, the late Clinton Edward Robinson, Jr. She is survived by her three children, Clinton Darron Robinson, Sherilyn Robinson-Medlock, son-in-law (Leonard Russell Medlock (deceased) and Pamela Gayle Robinson; grandsons, George Robert Jenkins III and Ryan Edward Robinson; and two great-grandchildren, Dylan Webster and Jaylen Juvon Jenkins, all of whom remain a source of tremendous pride and joy.
Throughout her life, Ruth exemplified scholarship, servant leadership, faith, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Her legacy lives on through her family, her church, her profession, and the countless lives she touched through The Links, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta, and every organization she faithfully served.
