Jacqueline Lea Robinson

Jacqueline "Jackie" Lea Robinson (née Sawyers, formerly Ready) of Ellicott City, MD passed away on January 2, 2025 in Towson, MD. Jackie was born in 1948 in Lansing, MI. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1970 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She went on to receive her Master's in Education Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1995.

Jackie worked in public education for 33 years. Her career began as an elementary school teacher with Waverly School System in Lansing, MI. She then moved to Richmond, VA where she was an Arts Coordinator and dance teacher at Woodville Elementary School with Richmond Public Schools from 1977-1994. In 1995, she returned to the classroom as a third grade teacher at Woodville before transitioning into school administration at Ginter Park Elementary School (now known as Frances W. McClenney Elementary School) where she was a teacher specialist and later an assistant principal.

Jackie was fully committed to integrating the arts into public education and her time at Woodville Elementary made a lasting impact. In 1981, Jackie initiated Woodville's partnership with the Arts Council of Richmond, Inc. Through this partnership, hundreds of Woodville students were introduced to local, national, and international artists in many fields. A strong community supporter, Jackie also directed and led the Woodville Dance Troupe's performances at numerous Richmond area events such as June Jubilee, The Richmond Children's Festival, and the 2nd Street Festival.

Jackie's love of the arts was further evident in her involvement in the Richmond arts scene. She was a longtime member and patron of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). In addition to her support of the VMFA, Jackie volunteered with other community art organizations such as Richmond's 1708 Gallery and Last Stop Gallery. She assisted with openings at both galleries and served as the Vice President with the Board of Directors for the Last Stop Gallery from 1990-1992.

Jackie was a thoughtful and loving person. Her optimism and positive attitude always shined through. Her sense of humor and personal style were delightful.

Services will be private. Jackie will be laid to rest with her husband, Maj. Lloyd A. Robinson (USMC), at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation's "Richmond Ed Fund" or "REF" online at https://www.rps.fund.