Gwendolyn Robinson-Atkinson Fondly Remembers Asheville

Gwendolyn Robinson-Atkinson

Staff Reports

Gwendolyn Robinson-Atkinson is a native of Asheville, NC, and the sister of Robert Clifton Robinson Jr., a Tuskegee Airman. Ms. Atkinson is a graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, Class of 1942, a graduate of North Carolina College, in Durham, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

After graduating from the school, Ms. Atkinson became a teacher herself at Stephens-Lee from 1945 to 1950. During her tenure the principal was Mr. Toliver, and some of her fellow educators, as she recalls, included Ms. Ruth Carolina in English, Ms. Ollie Reynolds in Music, Ms. Dusenberry in Science, Ms. Lucille Burton in Social Studies, and Mr. Lacy Haith in Occupational Studies.

During her time in Asheville Ms. Atkinson resided on the north side
of the city, living on Crescent St. and Madison Ave. She also attended
Hopkins Chapel AMEZ Church.

In 1950 Ms. Atkinson and her husband
moved to Charlotte. “I have many fond memories of Asheville, but have no
relatives or surviving friends who live there. It has been such a
pleasure to share these memories with you.”

Ms. Atkinson is a
member of Grier Heights Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, where they
recently observed Woman’s Day. The speaker for the occasion was Ms.
Robinson-Atkinson’s granddaughter, Tamara Williams.

Thanks for sharing, Ms. Gwen!