Sylvina A. Jones

Sylvina A. Jones, 74, of Newport News, Virginia, peacefully transitioned on Sunday, August 13, 2023. She was born on September 8, 1948 in Lynchburg, Virginia and was the eldest among six siblings born to Alice and the late Haywood Robinson, Jr.

Sylvina, affectionately known as Veenie, graduated from Dunbar High School in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1966. She attended Hampton University where she received her B.S. Degree in Nursing in 1971. After graduation Veenie enjoyed a long career as a registered nurse at Hampton General Hospital and the Veterans Administration. 

As a child, Veenie often had to take care of her five brothers and sisters which was not her favorite thing to do. But, also during that time, it was discovered that she had a beautiful voice, and why not, her mother, Alice, was a trained opera singer. Veenie loved singing in her church and her high school choirs and for so many special occasions. She once won 1st Place in a talent contest during her high school years. Her angelic singing voice graced those around her and will forever be missed.

Aside from music, Veenie’s enthusiasm for reading her Bible, novels, literature and puzzle-solving remained enduring passions. She spent much of her time crocheting and creating wonderful works of art and is totally responsible for researching the genealogy of the Robinson Family dating back to the late 1800’s. She loved to watch crime and mysteries on TV, particularly, Perry Mason and Matlock. But, you just can’t leave out her favorite actors, Tom Selleck, Marvin Gaye and her “husband” Idris Elba. Veenie got great joy and comfort taking the kids to the beach and crabbing. There is no surprise she was also a great cook, a lover of seafood and notably, she loved her crabs and fried chicken.

Of all the things Veenie enjoyed, she loved and cherished her family the most. Her two children and two grandchildren, who called her “Big Ma”, gave her purpose and meaning. But when the great-grandchildren arrived, well, that was a whole other level of love. Her love and friendship extended to her two best friends, Sharon Griffin and Nancy Davis-Redd. You’ve always been there and we will forever be “the three sightless rodents”.

In addition to her father, Haywood Robinson, Jr., Veenie is preceded in death by her brother William Robinson and great-granddaughter Demi Witherspoon. She is survived by her two children Cherie Herod, Hampton, Virginia and Duane Jones, Newport News, Virginia; two grandchildren, Monet and Julian Herod; five great-grandchildren, Amere Herod, Nasir Witherspoon, Kai Witherspoon, Seven Miller and Jade Herod. She also leaves behind her dear mother Alice Robinson; one brother the Rev. Dr. Haywood Robinson, III (Renee) and three sisters Marnetta Robinson, Delorese Ferguson (Phillip) and Joanne Davis.

Veenie was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all. Her loud hardy laughter and big smile will undoubtedly be missed by her loved ones and all who she meant the world to.

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