GLORIA ROBINSON WILKINS

I was born in Staunton, VA, October 23, 1932, to Carrington Robinson and Mae Jones Robinson; the first born of twins with brother, Leonard. Our mother became a young widow with two toddlers to support. Both families helped us in many ways. So I never remember us being in dire need. It was decided that the school in Staunton did not challenge me, so I was sent to Washington, DC, to live with my aunt and uncle, Jeannette and Reynold Ward. This opened whole new worlds for me, both educationally and culturally.

From elementary through graduate school, I learned to love all phases of education. School was my world so I developed into a mature, outspoken young woman on the fast track to a career. My next big change came while at Howard University. I met Aaron Wilkins, a caring, mature, and smart young man from Houston, Texas. He was a junior, chemistry major, Alpha man, ROTC military bound. A three-year courtship lead to a marriage, June 15, 1956. I was a senior in Dental School and he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

I graduated from Howard Dental School and passed the Board in June 1958. Big decisions had to now be made. We wanted to be together, so I moved with Aaron to El Paso, Texas.

Being in the military was like the inside of a whirlwind. You must be strong both physically and mentally - - to survive. The military was integrated in the late 1950s when we were assigned to our new units. Aaron and I paved a wide path for our brothers and sisters who would follow. We lived in 25 types of quarters

(studios to mansions) and owned about thirty automobiles. We lived in Europe, Asia, Taiwan, with side trips to Japan, Hong Kong, and Okinawa. In the states, we lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Ft. Monmouth, NJ was our home base. Aaron also served in Vietnam and Korea.

We had two sons. Aaron III was born in El Paso, Texas in 1960. Anthony {Tony) was born in 1968 in Taipei, Taiwan. They are our legacy and we are proud of them.

After 26 years of service, Aaron retired as a full Colonel with a Masters and a PhD. The military was very good to us. At his retirement ceremony, I received an award for my community service. I was the first Afro-American woman elected President of the 400 member Officers Wives Club at Ft. Monmouth, NJ.

Our retired life was very exciting. Aaron selected a job in Philadelphia: we lived there for five years. The company transferred us to the Washington DC area: living first in Springfield, VA; then downsizing to Fairfax, VA. This was home for me. The best part of all of this was that our sons were in college and I could travel with my husband. He was working for NASA, we made frequent visits to Texas, California, and Florida.

Many of our family had passed by this time but we were able to visit them earlier. This was truly a blessing for people like us who always lived far away. Our final retirement was to Palm Coast, FL. We had a house built in 2001 that was to be our vacation home. We were "snowbirds" for four years, with a lot of guests, playing golf, and trips to the nearby beach. However maintaining two homes is expensive and tiresome. So, in 2005, we moved with everything from Fairfax to Palm Coast, purchasing a new home to fit it all in.

I have never regretted the changes in my life, nor the decisions made. Aaron and I were equally yoked. God has us on the path that he wanted us on and our faith carried us, together, for 59 years - - through the good, bad, and the ugly.

Aaron passed away in April 2015, after an extended illness. I received great support and comfort from my church, family and many friends. I had his funeral at our church in Palm Coast and the burial at Arlington Cemetery, with full military honors.

I still live in my home in Florida, and am busier than ever. I am pretty healthy: both physically and mentally.

GOD IS GOOD