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Dr. Ethel Swindell Robinson was born and raised in Belhaven, North Carolina. She attended North Carolina A & T University, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. Prior to relocating to Syracuse in 1969, Ethel worked as an analytical chemist in New York City and elementary school teacher in Washington, D.C. After arriving in Syracuse, Ethel spent 25 years in the Syracuse City School District working as a teacher, building administrator, and assistant director of elementary education before her retirement in 1995. A lifelong learner, Ethel resumed her education after retirement. She returned to Syracuse University, where she had received a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced studies, and earned a doctorate degree in reading education in 2001. She utilized her doctoral research to write a book about African American families’ involvement in their children’s literacy development. Ethel was also active in church, public service, community, and civic organizations. She cofounded the Syracuse Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and was a lifetime member of the international sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Syracuse Section of the National Council of Negro Women. She also held various offices in the Syracuse Federation of Women’s Clubs, and was a member of the International Reading Association and the Everson Museum of Art. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church and served as a volunteer in the preschool children’s ministry. She received many awards; including the Syracuse Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Woman of Achievement Award, the Post Standard Woman of Achievement Award, the T. Walsh McQuillan Award for Outstanding Contributions to Elementary Education and Administrative Leadership, and the Juneteenth NIA Award. Ethel loved her family, and was often the catalyst for organizing family reunions and other family events. She was predeceased by her parents, Mack and Mollie Swindell, a sister, Sarah Swindell, and three brothers, Mack, Bennie, and John Swindell. She is survived by her loving brother, James Swindell. Also, left to mourn are her son, Darryl Robinson, grandchildren, Yasmine and Jared Robinson, nieces, Brenda Barber, Wanda Kay Johnson, and Pamela Perry, nephews, Anthony Paulley, Gregory Paulley, and Earl Bernard Paulley, and many other grand nieces and nephews. Her loss will also be felt by a host of friends, sorors, and neighbors, as well as her loving caregivers at Peregrine Senior Living.

Tributes

Dr. Ethel Swindell Robinson

December 16, 1936 - June 2, 2019