Iris Robinson was born on August 9, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the third child of Wilmer and Edward Robinson. She joined her older brother Edward Jr. and sister Doris, later welcoming two younger brothers, Maurice (“Sonny”) and Walker (“Butch”). Though her parents lived in Baltimore at the time, her mother Wilmer moved temporarily to Philadelphia to be near her sisters for help with her growing family. The warmth, closeness, and readiness to help one another that characterized her parents and extended family became lifelong values Iris carried with her.

Iris had a happy childhood in a close-knit, loving family. She attended Baltimore’s esteemed Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, where she took great pride in the academic rigor that helped shape her lifelong love of learning. She went on to graduate from Coppin State College, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree, which later inspired her sister Doris to follow in her footsteps.

She began her career in education but also held an array of early jobs including as a “spy” for Macy’s Department Store, visiting competitors to assess the quality and pricing of their merchandise—often inspecting hems and linings to gauge craftsmanship. She also worked for New York City’s welfare department.

Iris moved to New York City to pursue her master’s degree in elementary education at Columbia University’s Teachers College. While living at International House, she met Minasse Haile, a young Ethiopian scholar and United Nations translator. The couple married in 1955 and built a family and a remarkable life together, celebrating 71 years of marriage before the death of Minasse in September of this year.

They welcomed three children—Suzanne, Daniel, and David—while living in New York City, and after moving to Ethiopia in 1960, they were joined by a fourth, Michael. Iris embraced her new life in Ethiopia with grace and adaptability, supporting her husband’s diplomatic career and contributing to her community as an educator. One of the highlights of her life was serving as the wife of Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States from 1968 to 1971.

Iris faced the challenges of political change and revolution in Ethiopia with resilience and courage, eventually returning with her family to the United States in 1977.

A passionate and gifted teacher, Iris inspired generations of students. Her reputation for excellence led parents to request their children be placed in her class. She passed her love of learning to her own children—through poetry, music, and literature.

An avid reader, Iris devoured books from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, particularly mystery novels by Agatha Christie. She enjoyed Perry Mason and Sherlock Holmes on television, while her husband preferred soccer and politics. Together, they shared a love of music—from 1950s classics like “Only You,” “The Great Pretender,” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” to the spirituals she cherished, including “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Iris also loved musicals and Man of La Mancha and Sound of Music were among her favorites. Many afternoons were spent together over a proper English tea, reading poetry aloud. Her favorite poets included Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and the English Romantics—Tennyson and Coleridge among them.

Iris was also known for her elegance and impeccable style. She dressed in a timeless, classic manner—never in jeans or sweats—and was rarely seen without her eyebrows done and her lipstick on, just like her mother before her. She was a wonderful cook, famous for her chili, potato salad, and doro wat (Ethiopian chicken stew).

Iris was also an accomplished painter, first working in charcoal and later in oils. Ethiopian peoples, including the priesthood, were her some of her preferred subjects.  Her paintings decorate the homes of many friends and family members.

To her family, Iris was the heart of the home—the one who knew where everything was, who had the answer to any question, and whose warmth, humor, patience and strength held everyone together. She was loved and is missed by her kin, children and grandchildren. Her life was a testament to love, learning, courage, and grace-a beautiful journey that spanned continents and generations.

She leaves behind her brother Walker, her sisters-in-law Shirley and Aster; her nephew Reginald Robinson, her children Suzanne, Daniel, David, and Michael; her grandchildren, Merid, Bridget, Sosina, Benjamin, James, Joshua, Lucas and Rachel; and two great grandchildren, Leo and Dove.