Shirley Jean Robinson

Early Saturday morning, December 2, 2023, Jesus Christ called home to Heaven his good and faithful servant Shirley Jean Payne Robinson, 82, of Heath Springs, SC. Shirley was the widow of Grady Cole Robinson.

Along with Grady, waiting at the gates of Heaven to welcome Shirley home were her beloved son, Jason Cole Robinson, her parents, brothers Bruce L. and C. Michael Payne and sister Joan Dale Payne Byers, infant brother and sisters, Olin, Rose Mary, and Judy Gayle Payne. Also at the reunion in Heaven were many extended family members and a host of close friends.

Shirley was the daughter of the late Clarence L. and Hattie Mae Mangum Payne of Kershaw, SC. She grew up in town on North Matson Street, also know at the Springs Mill Village. She loved her neighborhood girlfriends, Phyllis Cobb, Sandra Reeves, Brenda Williams, Nancy Scott and Dealice Northrup. Shirley’s time was split between town and her father’s “Country” property in the Haile Gold Mine Community. Shirley and her siblings would go the Country after school and especially during the summer to work on the farm which allowed her the opportunity to spend time with her cousins on the Payne side, especially Verna Robinson Newman, and many other close relatives.

Shirley graduated from Kershaw High School in 1959 and was the salutatorian of her class. She was also editor of the yearbook staff, vice-president of the Beta Club and a member of the Library Club. Shirley was voted Miss Hi Miss her senior year and the Friendliest Female for the class. After graduation, Shirley attended Palmer Business School in Columbia earning a certificate in Secretarial Sciences.

Shirley married Grady Cole Robinson of the Flint Ridge community in 1964 after a brief courtship and moved to the community of Heath Springs. She began working at ADM in Kershaw, SC around 1980 where she remained until her retirement in 2002. This is where she grew other close friendships that lasted throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kerri Jean Robinson Watts and her husband Dan of Elgin, SC. She is also survived by her four grandsons who she loved dearly: Joshua Cole and Cameron Jay Robinson of Heath Springs, SC and Owen Reilly and Aidan Robinson Watts of Elgin, SC. Shirley is also survived by her sister-in- laws Annie Elizabeth “Sister” Robinson Stover of Union, SC, and Judy McAteer Payne, of Lancaster, SC. In addition, Shirley leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews, the children and grandchildren of her brothers and Grady’s brothers and sisters, several adopted daughters, many dear friends, and her dogs that she loved, Piper Jean and Poppy Mae of the home.

Shirley had a sweet, sweet spirit which drew people to her. She loved everyone, especially children. She once said if she had the money she would build a home for children on the family property. She was self-less and always put others first. She was best known for her cooking and baking, especially her Honey Bun Cakes and Monkey Bread. Through the years she enjoyed the visits by her grandsons and their friends and was even known to cook for them during the wee hours of the night.

The celebration of life service for Mrs. Robinson will be held at 2pm at Baker Conference Center, 105 N. Minor Street, Kershaw, SC 29067 on Monday, December 4, 2023, with visitation to be held 1 hour prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Flint Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home. Baker Funeral Home is caring for the family of Mrs. Robinson.