Susan Robinson Obituary

Susan Gibbes Woodward Robinson COLUMBIA, SC - Susan Gibbes Woodward Robinson died peacefully on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in Columbia. Susan was born in Columbia on August 30, 1915, the daughter of the late Eugenia Felder Salley Gibbes and Dr. James Heyward Gibbes. She was married to J. Henry Woodward until his death in WW II, and then to David Wallace Robinson for 33 wonderful years. She was educated at Converse College in Spartanburg and Columbia University in New York City. Susan Robinson was a remarkable educator whose positive outlook guided her life. One of her primary concerns was education for all. She began her teaching career in the Olympia Mill Village just outside the city of Columbia. As her first assignment Susan was given a class of students who were thought to be hard to teach. She found a way to reach them all through a school garden project. It was an important lesson in perseverance and creativity and one that she eagerly passed on to younger generations. From there, as a young widow, she went to St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Va. to teach fourth grade. She returned to Columbia to teach at Good Shepherd School and later asked to help found an Episcopal private school known as Heathwood Hall. Although she eventually retired as principal of Heathwood, she continued to take a strong interest in education and along with her husband made it financially possible for more than 23 people to attain a college education. Susan's investment in her community extended well beyond the realm of education; she put her energy and ideas into many other venues, including service on the Boards of the Columbia Museum of Art, The Historic Columbia Foundation, The Columbia Garden Club, the Partnership Board for the Columbia Medical School and the State Museum. She was a member of the Palmetto Garden Club, The Colonial Dames of America, The Assembly and the Junior League of Columbia. Susan and her late husband, David, generously supported the University of South Carolina and many other local and state charities. Susan Robinson was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. One of the things she liked to do to connect with coming generations was to knit Christmas stockings for new babies. A party was given several years ago for all those lucky enough to have one of her stockings. Over 85 people brought their stockings to celebrate and thank her. She had a gift for finding four leafed clovers and cherished the good luck they brought to her, particularly at bridge, where she was still winning as late as last week. She had devoted bridge friends and they often spent time at Pawley's Island or DeBordieu on bridge house-parties. Her father taught her to fish at White Pond and Pawley's Island. She passed her love for fishing and the outdoors down to her children and grandchildren. Susan Robinson was predeceased by her parents and one sister, Jean Gibbes McCrady, as well as both of her husbands, Jacob Henry Woodward and David Wallace Robinson. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Gibbes Woodward Ravenel (Charles), her son Heyward Gibbes Robinson (Joanna Mountain), stepdaughter Caroline Robinson Ellerbe (Frank), stepson David Wallace Robinson (Rudite), grandchildren, Thomas Bright Williamson (Allison), Susan Gibbes Williamson, David Myles Robinson, Seamus Wade Robinson, Frank Rogers Ellerbe (Helen) David Mason Ellerbe (Millice), great grandchildren, Benjamen Bright Williamson, Henry Woodward Williamson, William Haselden Ellerbe, Caroline Robinson Ellerbe, Frances Eugenia Ellerbe, David Mason Ellerbe Jr. Catharine Millice Ellerbe and Thomas Fitzharris (Fitz) Ellerbe, niece, Salley Gibbes McCrady Lesley (Edwin), and caregivers Saundra Turner, Pat Thompson, Ceyda Fanizza and Hattie Jenkins. Susan remained young at heart throughout her long and remarkable life. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and community. She was a woman who made a difference in this world simply by being herself. A visitation will be held at Still Hopes Episcopal Home on Thursday, March 22, 2012, from 5 until 7:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Friday , March 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Dunbar's Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths