Bernice C. Dawson Robinson was released from her earthly bonds early Friday morning July 9th 2021 at her home in Moreno Valley, California. She was with her beloved daughter Anita and faithful furry companion, Chicky during her final hours.

Bernice was born in New Bern, North Carolina on October 24, 1933. She was raised by her grandparents, Mary and John Dawson (who predeceased her) and spent her childhood learning to love the land and all God’s creatures.

Bernice spent 42 years with the love of her life, David Curtis Robinson who predeceased her in 1999. 

Bernice embraced her passion for helping others by becoming a Registered Nurse. She attended Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing graduating in 1954. She completed advanced training at HBCU Meharry University in 1954. She earned a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Redlands in 1974. Bernice Robinson spent 53 years of her life as a nursing professional, ultimately retiring from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 1996. She was an avid Union supporter and activist as a member of CSEA/SEIU Local 1000.

Bernice enjoyed fishing and for many years was chairperson of the Fishing Committee and served as a member of the Board of Directors at Sunnymead Ranch Homeowner’s Association.

Friends and family were well acquainted with Bernice’s gardening, cooking, and knitting acumen as they never left a visit empty handed. She could regale you for hours with stories. Bernice could be found enjoying a good horse race or political debate. The neighborhood was blessed with the annual beauty of her blooming amaryllis and roses from which she freely shared cuttings or bulbs.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Cora Dawson of North Carolina and Alton P. Kinsey, Sr. of New Jersey; her sister Audrey E. Wallace of California; her brothers LeRoy Kinsey of New Jersey; and James Reid of New York.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Anita Cora of California and her step-son, David Robinson, Jr. (Veronica) and 2 grandchildren of California. She is also survived by 5 brothers and a sister: Alton P. Kinsey, Jr. (Lonzena) of North Carolina; Alfonzo Kinsey of New Jersey; William Kinsey of New Jersey; Alexis Anderson of New Jersey; Bruce Jackson of Pennsylvania; and Gloria Weston (Walter) of New Jersey.

Bernice will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.