Life’s Reflections
Anita Denise Robinson was born on March 6, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, on her mother’s mother’s birthday. She was the fourth child of Dorothy Johnson Robinson and James Clyde Robinson and had affectionate nicknames such as (Neat) or Anita Beater. Her mother remarried, and Anita was raised by her mother and second husband, Johnnie Coleman, whom she called Daddy.
Anita professed Christ at an early age and attended the family church, Avery Chapel, AME, in South Memphis, where she was involved in multiple organizations. She graduated from Hamilton High in 1968 and attended Memphis State (now known as the University of Memphis) in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
This choice was fitting because Anita was a songwriter and prolific guitarist. Over the years, she collaborated and recorded several songs with her beloved brother Chris. She was also an actress and performed in a host of plays while at Memphis State, notably “Ceremonies of Dark Old Men,” for which world-renowned Issac Hayes assisted in writing the musical score.
After graduating from college, Anita moved to New York City to pursue her acting aspirations. While there, she worked at a daytime soap agency on the switchboard, taking messages. She shared many stories about seeing many popular stars daily.
Anita later moved to Nashville, where she spent several years still in pursuit of furthering her musical dreams. To stay afloat, she worked at both Xerox and Paychex for a long time. She later moved to the Atlanta area to be close to her dear sister Shelia, who preceded her in death earlier this year. They both returned to Memphis to care for their elderly mother and later moved to Dyersburg, Tennessee, to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Anita Denise Robinson’s life ended on September 23, 2025, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where she spent the last three years. She leaves the following to mourn her passing: her dear and attentive brother Chris, his wife Gina, brother Ronald Robinson, loving nephews, Sterling Scott, Christopher Coleman, Jr., Dr. Kenneth Robinson II, nieces Tanya and Rhonda Robinson, sisters-in-law, Dr. Yolanda Robinson and Betty Robinson, and a host of great nieces and nephews. She also leaves her first cousins, Dr. Ingrid Carney, Janet Nash, Lynn M. Dixon, Mary Ann Ross, Robert I Johnson, Jr., Larry Johnson (Yvette), and Linda Johnson Laws.
“I’m Free”
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
