Dr. Phyllis Ponder Robinson, 69, of Dyersburg, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at her residence.
Dr. Robinson was born on October 29, 1945 to the late Daniel and Willie Mae Ponder in Pittsburgh, PA. There she earned an associate degree from St. Francis School of nursing. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Dr. Joseph E. Robinson, Jr. and raising their children, she attended college and seminary with her husband earning a bachelor’s in Theology, a master’s in Christian Education, a Ph.D. in Religion, and an honorary doctorate of Humanities.
Along with her husband she served on mission and evangelism fields throughout the United States, Canada, and Korea. God has allowed them to serve several years as chaplains in prison ministry. They have both served as board members and taught at Vision Christian College and Seminary.
In July of 2005 they began a bible study in their home which today is the church known as God’s Place. Pastor Phyllis believed no matter what your station is in life, God expects us to use our gifts, talents, and abilities for His service. It is to the ministry of God’s Place that she was called, for the equipping of the saints for His glory.
Survivors include her two daughters, Dawn Celeste Burks of Natchitoches, LA and Sheryl Ann Robinson Burley of San Tan Valley, AZ; three sons, Joseph Eugene Robinson III of Satellite Beach, FL, Keith Alan Robinson of Bryan, OH and David Allen Robinson of Toledo, OH; two brothers, Daniel Ponder and Arthur Ponder, both of Pittsburgh, PA; thirteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joseph Eugene Robinson, Jr.; and a brother, Roy Ponder.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to the International Essential Tremor Foundation, P.O. Box 14005, Lenexa, KS 66285 or to the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, 920 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163 (901)448-5500.