Edna Robinson

Edna “Geneva” Robinson was born in Ebbs, Florida on March 2, 1947.  She departed this life on March 31, 2019 at CentraState Hospital in Freehold, New Jersey. She was raised in Pergolaville where unforgettable memories were made amongst a close-knit neighborhood of loving family and friends.

During the summer, Geneva’s mother made them go to the blueberry field to pick blueberries to earn money for school clothes. The blueberry field was the spot because everyone from Jamesburg, Englishtown, and Freehold would hang out there.  She received her education in the Englishtown School System.

Geneva was a long-time member of Old Ship of Zion Baptist Church in Englishtown, New Jersey under the leadership of her grandfather, Reverend Phillip Faison. At an early age, Geneva accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, and she was baptized by her grandfather, Reverend Faison.

Upon her grandfather’s death she united with New Hope Baptist Church in Freehold, New Jersey. She was very active at New Hope. She was a Deaconess, member of the Sunday School, member of the Pastoral Support Team, and the leader of the kitchen committee for many years. Last but not least, she was the pilot for the Sunday School trips.  Some of her favorite activities included cooking, completing puzzles, playing softball, shopping and traveling.

In 1969 she married the man of her dreams, Johnnie Robinson. Geneva had the vision to use her talent and love for cooking to open a family restaurant. The dream was fulfilled with the support of her family. God blessed them with the opening of Edna’s Soul Food which was located in Lakewood, New Jersey.

To know Geneva was to know a kind, caring and giving person. She loved spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed family gatherings. Her motto was “Family First.” Geneva had plenty of love to go around. She raised over 100 foster children. She made sure the children knew that they were loved.

Geneva was willing to help anyone in need. She was a loving person, and even during her illness tried to take care of her family. She reflected the kindness of God in her dealings with fellow humans.

Geneva is predeceased by her grandparents, Reverend Phillip Faison and Essie Mae Faison; mother, Essie Mae Daniels; step-father, AC Daniels; and sister-in-law, Gertie Hodge. 

A loving family is left to cherish her joyous memories.  She is survived by the love of her life, Johnnie Robinson; father, Alexander Hodge Sr. (Marlene) of Florida; two loving aunts, Idella Washington of Pennsylvania, and Mary Benton of New Jersey; siblings, Gilbert Hodge (Helen) of Florida, Alexander Hodge Jr. of Alabama, Willie Hodge of New Jersey, Gregory Hodge (Lessie) of New Jersey, Jimmie Hodge (Carol) of Delaware, Virginia Tims (Arthur) of New Jersey, Andrew Hodge (Carol) of Florida, Deborah McClain (Aaron) of Florida, and Patrick Hodge (Katie) of Florida; children of her own as well as children like her own, Francine Gainey (Henry), Robin Robinson (Walter), Karen Gadson (Darrell), Johnnie Robinson (Raelynn), Tommy Robinson (Tiffany), Ralph West, Stephanie Stevenson, Chalimar Fisher (Micah), Tahisha Ingram (Anthony) all of New Jersey; grandchildren, Elissa Robinson, Asia Robinson, Tasharnda Gainey, Khadeem Robinson, Kalyph Worthy, Tory Robinson, Trey Gainey, Aaliyah Robinson, Nia Robinson, Najir Robinson, Taylor Fisher, and Tyla Robinson; great-grandchildren, Ayana Muse, Jahsiere Robinson, Amir Gainey, Josiah Robinson, Ashton Robinson, Yasmin Robinson, Summer Robinson, Airyn Gainey, Amara Gainey, and Kaden Worthy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to Janice Gill, her best friend and sister. The family would also like to thank Katherine Copeland, Mattie Morris, Ernestine Hines, Emma Dock, the “3 Musketeers” Laura Lewis, Brenda Wilson and Margaret Hall. The family would like to thank all of these people for their gracious support and love shown towards our mother.

Geneva was loved deeply and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

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