Robinson, Willa M's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Willa Marquita Robinson July 27, 1931 – June 15, 2026
Willa, lovingly known as "Mom" and "Nana," passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Tulsa at the age of 94.
Willa was born at home on July 27, 1931, in Broken Arrow to Willis Burgess and Margaret Jewel Overturf. She was the eldest of three children and was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ronald Burgess, and Kenneth Burgess; and her beloved grandparents, Tyler Burgess and Nora Scott, and James Overturf and Georgia Shadwick.
Willa's childhood was not an easy one, but it shaped the strong, determined woman her family came to know and love. As a young girl, she attended Chilocco Indian Agricultural School near the Kansas border before continuing her education in a one-room rural school and later the Broken Arrow School District. She helped care for her younger brothers and treasured memories of time spent with her grandfather, James Overturf, including an unforgettable Christmas tree outing when they became lost in the woods before finally finding their way home.
Everything changed on the Fourth of July in 1949 when Willa attended a celebration at Zink Ranch on a double date. Although she had arrived with someone else, JD immediately knew she was the one he wanted to know better. Their love story began that day and blossomed into a remarkable marriage that spanned 76 years.
Willa and JD were married on January 29, 1950. They built a life together grounded in love, perseverance, and simple joys. In their early years, money was scarce, but happiness was abundant. They often drove their 1935 Ford to Fort Gibson to fish, happily giving away everything they caught because neither cared much for eating fish. After paying the monthly bills, they often had just enough money left to share an ice cream cone together—a tradition that became one of their favorite dates.
From 1952 to 1954, while JD was deployed to Korea, Willa worked for Sinclair. In February 1955, they welcomed their only daughter, Vicki, who became the center of their world.
Together, Willa and JD created a home filled with laughter, friendship, and cherished traditions. Saturday evenings were often spent playing bridge with neighbors and friends. Family vacations to the lake became treasured memories, where Willa and JD taught Vicki how to water ski. Their neighborhood block parties were legendary, and Willa was always responsible for making her famous homemade peach and vanilla ice cream.
An exceptional homemaker, Willa was a gifted cook, talented artist, and accomplished seamstress. She loved painting, sewing, and shopping. A true fashionista, she had an eye for stylish clothes, shoes, purses, and jewelry and always kept up with the latest trends and music. Still, no artist ever surpassed her lifelong favorite, Elvis Presley. She also delighted in searching for antiques, attending weekly flea markets, and collecting dolls.
Above all else, Willa was devoted to her family. She was fiercely independent, outspoken, and never afraid to share exactly what she thought. Her strength, resilience, sense of humor, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Willa is survived by her devoted husband of 76 years, JD Robinson; her daughter, Vicki Miller, and son-in-law, Troy Miller; her granddaughters, Jamie Harrell and Kim Atzbach; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Jacob Harrell, Payton Harrell, and Dylan Atzbach.
Willa's life was a testament to enduring love, perseverance, and devotion to family. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, treasured memories, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but the lessons she taught and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Forever loved. Forever remembered.
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