Beverly Jeanne (Keith) Robinson

 In Loving Memory

She was Beverly, Mrs. Robinson, BJ, Bev, Mama, Mama-son and Miss T (Miss Tornado!). No matter the moniker, Beverly Jeanne Keith Robinson was a strong and powerful Black woman filled with an unwavering faith in God, a dedication to excellence in her Christian and occupational endeavors and most of all, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. In spite of her 4’11” frame, Beverly J. Robinson, always stood tall. 

Beverly Robinson entered this life on December 21, 1936 in Kansas City, Kansas to the union of John Alfred Keith and Patria Alexine Kinney Keith both whom preceded her in death. She was the oldest of seven children. Beverly was raised in the North End alongside a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins. Educated first at Dunbar Elementary and Northeast Jr. High, Beverly graduated from the “great and legendary” Sumner High School in the Class of 1954 and attended Kansas University. Beverly took ballet lessons and loved to dance, to crochet and to read. She was a member of several social clubs that were popular at the time and often recited poetry and became a frequent winner of local dance and oratorical contests. A life-long learner, she attended Kansas City, Kansas Community College later in life.

Upon graduation from high school, Beverly married the love of her life, James W. Robinson, Jr. on January 15, 1956. From this union, four children were born. Janice Marie, James William (Jimmy), Joanne Denise and Jeffrey Wayne.

Beverly was baptized at an early age at Antioch Baptist Church by her uncle, the late Rev. Wilber M. Jackson. She later joined Pleasant Green Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor David L. Gray and finally joined First Baptist Church of Quindaro where Rev. Stacey E. Hopkins and later, Rev. Lemuel Wynn served as pastor. There she served faithfully as a member of the Senior Choir, the Ruth Circle and as member of the Trustee Board serving as Treasurer for more than 30 years. Beverly took great pride in her Trustee assignments from the Lord. She completed the tasks at hand with diligence and excellence – spending many hours making certain that the church books were accurate and over the years, earned a reputation for consistently creating annual reports for the church body that were completed in a timely fashion with both accuracy and integrity.

Beverly began her employment career as a Wyandotte county welfare stenographer. And in 1957, through the efforts of the local Urban League, became one of the first “Negroes” who were employed at AT&T.  She was subsequently featured in the April 1959 issue of Ebony Magazine which defined her responsibilities saying that she “receives, processes and files private line service orders covering communication accounts of the Ground Observer Corps and the U.S. Air Force Security Service…she also assists in the studies conducted in the Defense Communications Group.” She was promoted several times over the years, occasionally traveling across country to New York City to represent AT&T and eventually supervising and mentoring several large groups of employees until her retirement in 1997. Throughout her career she received numerous meritorious awards for outstanding service and was celebrated by her co-workers, family, pastor and friends at a Town Pavilion gala affair after 40 years of service. 

In 1996, under the auspice of the First Baptist Church of Quindaro, the vision of Rev. Stacey E. Hopkins, the Quindaro Community Center, was built and established.  Beverly worked tirelessly managing “the Center” as its’ Executive Director.  Under her leadership, the Center became a beacon in Northeast section of Kansas City. With her experience, determination, ingenuity and devotion to excellence, Beverly forged relationships that led to partnerships with organizations that brought a variety of community service programs to the Center. Among them were, the EOF Headstart Program, the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center Fairs and Screenings, Adult Computer programs, a Day Care, After School Program and the annual Harvesters Summer Enrichment Programs. She also secured rental contracts, monitored and supervised the Center’s Banquet Hall for wedding receptions, retirement, birthday and other celebrations as well as KAW Valley District events and annual community Thanksgiving Dinners.  Beverly’s devotion and commitment to excellence - no matter what needed to be done - was the same as she had demonstrated all of her life.  In spite of her work ethic, the Board made changes ending her tenure as Director.  Nonetheless, she gave her best - working tireless hours - often unceremoniously - to make certain that the Center, an extension of the church, was an active and viable force for good in the community. And for her devoted Christian service, she will receive her heavenly reward.

Of all of her roles in life, she most relished being a Mother.  Always instilling Christian and essential values such as integrity, character, honesty and the importance of education to her children. She deeply loved each of them. There was nothing that she would not sacrifice or do for her children and grandchildren.  She was funny, creative and actively engaged in all of their lives and activities. Whether they be church activities, sports events, plays, concerts or recitals, she was always there to support her kids.  She rarely missed events they participated in.  After long days at work, she became a supermom… rushing home to cook dinner, wash and iron clothes, check homework, and never allowing her kids to become idle. She helped them to complete projects and crafts such as creating their own Christmas ornaments and wreaths. Her sister, Shirley, who was also a manager at AT&T, picked Beverly up for work for years (Bev was always running late!). She often recalled many a Christmas Eve when they tackled the snow and sleet to complete Christmas shopping making sure that everything their kids wanted was under the tree on Christmas morns.  As a Grandmother, Beverly continued to attend important events and could often be found driving her grandchildren to games, practices and rehearsals.

In her spare time, Beverly enjoyed hosting luncheons as a member of the Geace’ Club. She was an accomplished speaker and often competed and won first place as part of the Kansas City Chapter of Toastmaster’s International.  Beverly loved crochet and quilting. She loved to laugh. Many evenings were spent reading and completing crossword puzzles. Though diminutive in stature, Beverly J. Robinson was a towering woman of God who lived a faithful and fruitful life.

May she dance in Heaven eternally.  To God Be the Glory!

Beverly cherished the memory of James W. Robinson, Jr. (beloved husband) John A. Keith, Sr. and Patria A. Keith (parents) John A. Keith, Jr. (brother), Sharon P. Wooten (sister), James W. Robinson, Sr. (father-in-law), Jonnie Mae Harris (mother-in-law) and Marie I. Clark (aunt) all who preceded her in death.  

She dearly missed her youngest son, Jeffrey Wayne Robinson, Sr.

She leaves to mourn: Janice Marie Robinson Hamm (daughter), James William Robinson III, (son), Joanne Denise Robinson Patton (daughter) Timothy Hamm (son-in-law),  Pamela Robinson (daughter-in-law), Jeffrey W. Robinson, Jr. (grandson), David S. Patton II (grandson), Sydnei LeaJeanne Patton(grand-daughter), Courtney Robinson(grand-daughter), Jamie Robinson(great-grand-daughter), Maynard N. Keith(brother), Shirley A. Nelson (sister), Carolyn Y. Elmore (sister), Bruce Kinney(brother), Doris (Dottie) Keith(sister-in-law), Sammie Lee Nelson (brother-in-law), Mamie Keith(sister-in-law), Cousins: Harold Lee Simmons, Bob Watson, Earl Watson, Glora Parker; Dear Friends, who comprised “The Three Beverly’s,” Beverly Hooks Scott and Beverly Thomas. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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