Sallie M. Robinson

Sallie M. Robinson of Riverhead died Oct. 22 at Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center in Middle Island. She was 98.

She was born March 5, 1913, in Powhatan, Va., to Julian and Everlina (Sturdivant) Brown, the youngest of six children. She attended the Virginia school system and was a member of Little Zion Baptist Church, where she served for many years on the usher board and was known for her sweet potato pies.

She married George Robinson in 1937. After he died in 1960, she moved to Riverhead, where she was a watch-care member of First Baptist Church and later joined Friendship Baptist Church.

Although she never had children of her own, Ms. Robinson — known as “Pomp, Pomp,” “Mama Sallie” and “Aunt Sallie” — became mother, aunt and grandmother to many, rearing members of her own family as well the children of other families, according to family members. She also cared for many foster children, they said.

A beautician by trade, Ms. Robinson embraced life and lived it “out loud,” family said, and made patchwork quilts for family and friends.

Viewing and a service took place Oct. 29 at Friendship Baptist Church, Pastor Charles McElroy officiating. Arrangements were handled by Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead. Interment was at Riverhead Cemetery.