ada louise nichols robinson
1888-1968
Life Story
Ada Louise Nichols Robinson was born in 1885 in Newton County, Mississippi, to Allen Nichols (1846–1913) and Jervey Nichols (1852–?). She grew up in the Altare–Hickory community of Newton County, where her family worked as farmers and were among the early members of the area’s Black agricultural community.
Ada completed the third grade of elementary school, an achievement notable for rural children of her generation, and contributed to the family’s livelihood by working on the home farm. She was described as industrious, responsible, and deeply committed to her faith and family.
At about 16 years of age, Ada married Emanuel Robinson (1876–1968), a farm laborer who worked alongside her on their land in Newton County. Their marriage on August 24, 1901, marked the beginning of a partnership that endured for more than fifty years, rooted in love, hard work, and faith. Together they raised a large family of eleven children:
- Bernice Robinson (1901–?)
- Roberta Robinson (1903–?)
- Eugene Robinson (1906–1976)
- Mattie Mae Robinson (1907–?)
- Ethel Robinson (1909–2001)
- Hollis Robinson (1911–1973)
- Cleo Robinson (1915–1990)
- Marvin Robinson (1919–?)
- Elbert Robinson (1921–1970)
- Sophronia Robinson Clifton (1924–?)
- Leo Robinson (1925–?)
Ada was an active and respected member of the Corinth Baptist Church of Newton, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and Missionary Sister. Her church work extended beyond the local congregation to the Third New Hope District, where she participated in missionary outreach and educational programs.
Her faith was also expressed through her involvement in fraternal and women’s organizations. She was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Heroines of Jericho, where she held leadership and ceremonial roles that reflected her commitment to Christian service and community leadership.
Ada’s life was one of purpose — centered on her family, her church, and her community. She guided her children with patience and strength, emphasizing education, faith, and self-reliance.
She passed away on November 11, 1968, at Newton Hospital, at the age of 83, just months after the passing of her husband, Emanuel.
Her funeral was held on Sunday, November 17, 1968, at Corinth Baptist Church, with Rev. E. W. Wallace, pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. Prentiss Gardner of Decatur. Additional ministers present included Revs. G. G. Chandler, Theron Evans, and George Robinson. Tributes were shared by Mrs. Dessie Pilate and Mrs. Ada E. Adkins, while Mrs. Maude Denham and Mrs. Yvonne McFarland represented the Eastern Star and Heroines of Jericho, who conducted the graveside rites.
Interment followed in the Corinth Church Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Emanuel Robinson, and was survived by her eleven children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who continued her legacy of faith and community service.
Resting Place
Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Alabama, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1805-1967
- Ohio, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1774-1993
- The Newton Record, Mrs. Ada L. Robinson Obituary, Wed, Nov 27, 1968 ·Page 10
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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