Marian Robinson, Pillar of the Obama Family, Passes Away at 86
In a somber moment for the Obama family and the nation, Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and mother-in-law of former President Barack Obama, passed away on May 31, 2024, at the age of 86. Known for her down-to-earth nature and her significant role in the lives of her daughter and granddaughters, Marian Robinson's legacy is one of love, strength, and unwavering support.
Marian Lois Robinson (née Shields) was born in Chicago in 1937, the fourth of seven children. She was the daughter of Purnell Nathaniel Shields, a house painter and carpenter, and his wife Rebecca Jumper, a licensed practical nurse. Her family's roots trace back to slavery, with her grandfather, Dolphus T. Shields, being a descendant of a slave and her white father, the heir of the slaveowner. Despite the challenges faced by her family, Robinson was raised to be a strong, independent woman.
Robinson married Fraser Robinson on October 27, 1960. Together, they had two children: Craig Malcolm Robinson, a basketball executive, and Michelle Robinson Obama, who would later become the First Lady of the United States. Fraser Robinson passed away in 1991, leaving Marian to raise her children as a single mother.
Marian Robinson played a significant role in the lives of her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. When Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, Robinson moved into the White House to help take care of her granddaughters, becoming the first grandmother to live in the White House since the Eisenhower administration. She was a beloved figure in the White House, known for her implacability and her silent support.
In her memoir, "Becoming," Michelle Obama described her mother as "the least pretentious person I know," a sentiment echoed by many who knew Marian Robinson. She was known for her straightforward nature and her commitment to her family. In the Obama family, she was the bedrock, providing a solid foundation for her children and grandchildren.
Marian Robinson's passing is a significant loss for the Obama family and the nation. Her life and legacy will be remembered for her strength, her love, and her unwavering support. She will be missed, but her impact on her family and the nation will be felt for generations to come.
Kommentare