Mrs. Robinson, 96, entered her new heavenly life peacefully at home
surrounded by family. She was the matriarch of five generations, as was her mother before her. It was a loving family that she dedicated her life to. Joeline was born in Newton, Texas to Nellie and John Bakat. She grew up in Hornbeck, where she was
valedictorian of her graduating class. She is the last surviving member of the class of 1932. She then attended NSU (then Normal) in Natchitoches, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught school in Hornbeck and various other Vernon
Parish schools until 1948, when she left the teaching profession to be with her husband, Leonard G. “Tarbaby” Robinson in his career with Tennessee Gas Transmission Co. The couple had two daughters, Jo Ann Gregg and Rebecca “Becky” Watson. Leonard’s
job called for lots of travel and the family enjoyed times spent in Texas and the New England area in the 1950s, but they always returned to Louisiana They lived in New Iberia, Kinder, Lake Charles and Natchitoches where Leonard retired. After his
death in 1982, Joeline eventually moved back to Lake Charles to be near her daughters.
She was a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, maintaining membership in Natchitoches and Lake Charles. She was a member of the Lake
Charles Lioness and was honored as Lioness of the Year in 2003. An active member of the Natchitoches Garden Club, she was the recipient of numerous ribbons in the annual flower show. A member of University Methodist Church, she was active in the
Stonerollers Sunday School Class and the Joy Circle of UMW.
The family extends our everlasting gratitude and thanks to her devoted caregivers, Betty Cedars, Donna LeJeune, Joey Lane, Kelli Mullens, Delsia Young and St. Patrick’s
hospice.
Joeline was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her stepdad, George Stark; sister, Allene Blackburn and brothers, James Bakat and Paul Stark.
She is survived by her daughters, Jo Ann Gregg and Becky Watson
and husband, Ed all of Lake Charles. There are six grandchildren, Laurie Gregg Straub of New York, Bryan Gregg of Lake Charles, Kelli Gregg Mullens of Lake Charles, Todd and Jenny Jackson of Baton Rouge, Mac and Dena Watson of Sulphur, and Brad and
Kadi Watson Strong of Gilbert, Ariz.; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and her cousin, Leola Curtis Rubentish of Lafayette.
She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, mentor
and friend and will be missed by many.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 at University United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, and continue from 8:30
a.m. until the time of services on Dec. 8 at the church. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Leesville, with graveside services at 2 p.m. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Words of comfort may be shared with the
family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to University United Methodist Church, 3105 Patrick St., Lake Charles, LA 70605.