Adelaide W. Robinson

Adelaide Winifred Woolfolk Robinson was peacefully called to eternal rest on September 30, 2023 at her home in Washington, D.C. Adelaide was born on July 14, 1927 in Ruther Glen, VA to Alfred Woolfolk and Onie Fields. She was one of twelve children. She enjoyed the country life and growing up in rural Ruther Glen with her siblings. Life in the country in the early 1930s taught her many things, including the importance of hard work, perseverance and strength.  

Adelaide was educated in Caroline County and joined Reedy Baptist Church at a young age. When she was fourteen years old, she and her sister Ruth, moved to Washington, D.C. for employment to help support their mother and siblings after their father passed away. She obtained a job as a housekeeper where she met a kind Jewish family. The mother of that family became fond of Adelaide and wanted to help her secure a career. That mother eventually helped Adelaide apply to and gain entry into cosmetology school to become a beautician. Adelaide was well known for her love of beauty and hair. She made sure that her hair was done, her clothes were neat and that she looked presentable at all times! 

Adelaide was united in marriage to her beloved husband Phillip Robinson and they had one son, Melvin Louis Robinson, born on December 26, 1946. When Melvin was six years old, she and Phillip moved him from Ruther Glen, VA to Washington, D.C. for a better education. Adelaide was a loving but stern mother, who worked hard to ensure her mischievous son stayed out of trouble while he adjusted to city life. She enrolled him in many extracurricular activities, including the Boy Scouts. Melvin successfully graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School before joining the Navy in 1965. Anyone who knew them knew that Melvin was fiercely independent and had the same stubborn streak as his mother! 

Adelaide became a successful beautician while her husband, worked as a taxi driver and upholstery foreman at Howard University. They lived a happy life together and loved to travel! They visited many places, including New York, Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Panama Canal. They also loved to entertain family and friends at their D.C. home. This included holiday gatherings and parties. Adelaide loved card games, including pinochle, bid whist and bridge, and even became a member of a bridge club.  

Adelaide and Phil also loved to host family gatherings at their other home in Ruther Glen. That home was always filled with love and laughter. There were many nights where they would host card parties until the wee hours of the morning! Adelaide also enjoyed taking her granddaughters on weekend trips to Virginia, including multiple trips to Kings Dominion and bingo games. There were also early-morning yard sales because Adelaide believed you didn’t have to spend a lot to dress nicely and loved shopping at consignment and thrift stores. 

Her husband Phillip preceded her in death, in 1989, but Adelaide maintained a full life as a widow. She continued traveling, going to social outings with friends and helping others. She also became a volunteer at Walter Reed Hospital, where she won several awards for her service. In her later years, she took great care of herself and remained physically active, continuing daily walks around the track at Calvin Coolidge High School until she turned 91!  

Adelaide remained independent and lived happily alone in her Washington, D.C. home until her passing. She was lovingly cared for by Luisianne “Lusi” Abreu for the last five years of her life. Lusi, and her family member Raquel, provided excellent care for Adelaide and treated her like a family member. 

Adelaide leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her sister, Gloria Tolliver; two granddaughters, Myiah Robinson Clayton and Jenea Robinson; her daughter-in-law Regina Robinson; four great grandchildren: India Wilkerson, Damien Robinson, Camryn Lee and Dylan Clayton; and MANY loving nieces, nephews and numerous other family and friends.