Obituary: Natalie Robinson

Natalie Levison Robinson peacefully passed away Dec. 31, 2020 in Atlanta. She was born April 21, 1926, in Bristol, Va., lived her adult life in Knoxville and was a lifetime member of Heska Amuna Synagogue. Natalie was a charming Southern Jewish lady with a compassion for others. She had an optimistic attitude and a beautiful spirit, which led her to be a positive influence on those around her. She was interesting and interested. Most of all, she was full of grace and humbleness.

Natalie grew up in Atlanta, spent time in Wisconsin and New York, but migrated to Knoxville, where her parents owned a ladies dress shop, The Sterling House. She developed a lasting passion for fashion and was always dressed “to the nines.”
She married Mitchell Robinson on April 15, 1951. Mitchell was the owner of Modern Supply Company and Natalie embraced the spousal support role for the family business. She was an unequaled hostess, often welcoming new community members, students and other visitors to her home.

Natalie chaired the synagogue’s Sisterhood Bazaar for many years. She also volunteered for the Bijou Theatre board, delivered Mobile Meals, supported the Hillel effort of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville campus, was a life member of Hadassah and participated in the Knoxville Jewish Alliance Archives committee. She loved to travel and her life with Mitchell took her around the world, including many Modern Supply customer trips, to exotic places. She loved to read and was a longtime member of a book club.

Natalie was preceded in death by her parents Hyman and Ella Levison, husband Mitchell L. Robinson and brother F. Gilbert Levison. She is survived by brother S. Jarvin Levison of Atlanta; daughter and son-in-law Rabbi Rayzel Raphael (Simcha Raphael) of Philadelphia; sons and daughters-in-law A.J. Robinson (Dr. Nicole Ellerine) of Atlanta, and Pace (Karen) Robinson of Knoxville; grandchildren Eli and Asher Robinson of New York City, Yigdal and Hallel Raphael of Philadelphia, Micaela, Ethan and Nathaniel Robinson of Atlanta; sister-in-law Fay Gluck of Atlanta; and a host of family and friends.

A graveside service was held Jan. 1 at the New Jewish Cemetery in Knoxville. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to Heska Amuna Synagogue Building Fund, 3811 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tenn. 37919, University of Tennessee Judaic Studies, 501 McClung Tower, Knoxville, Tenn. 37996; Knox County Mobile Meals, 2247 Western Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. 37921, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

comments