Celestine Lillian Robinson-Pope

Celestine Robinson-Pope was born on February 21, 1952, alongside her fraternal twin (Ernestine), to the late Joseph and Gabriella Robinson of Washington, DC. Celestine departed this life after a short illness on February 17, 2024.

Celestine, better known as “Celeste, Lilly-Bug, and Momma C”, grew up in the Ledroit Park area where she met many lifelong friends. Celeste attended DC Public schools and was an active member in track and field. She loved home economics and as we all know she could throw down in the kitchen.

Celeste became a mother at an early age to Antionette, Edward Sr., and Derrick, but she never let that stop her from providing them the best. She later met and married Ronald Pope; together they had Rhonda. She loved and adored her four biological children and would later show that same love to her adoptive daughters LaToria and Maria. Celeste was a strong, courageous determined black woman. She did not allow her past to define her nor to stop her future. When opportunities presented themselves, she was never afraid to take them on. When doors opened for her, she would walk through them to see what was on the other side. She was a leader in her unique God given way. She was fearless.

After high school Celestine held a career in hospitality as a housekeeper where she would retire after 37 years of service. She served on the union board as an advocate to ensure equality amongst her peers. She believed in fairness regardless of origin, beliefs, and history.

Celeste was an angel on earth. She embodied the role of a mother to many, a grandmother to all, and an aunt to most. She not only opened her doors to others but also her heart. Once you crossed Celeste's threshold, you became family; she epitomized the true essence of familial bonds. Her house was a haven for every child… even adults. She prioritized making children feel safe and loved. Without her having to say a word, you always felt safe with her.

Celeste was a quiet storm. She was a woman that had a tough exterior, but had a heart of gold full of love, understanding and kindness. Her words could cut you but heal you at the same time. She was humorous, caring, and stern. She wanted you to learn from your mistakes but loved you through your mess.

She loved watching jeopardy, wheel of fortune, old western television shows, listening to her oldie but goodie records, cooking for her family, and spoiling her grand and great grandkids. She loved babysitting young children and watching them scramble over each other as she snuck them snacks and treats. She loved sitting in her favorite chair looking out the window at the neighborhood activities and sitting on her front porch listening to her butterfly windchimes dance in the wind.

Celeste despised taking pictures or being celebrated. If she caught you taking her picture or trying to surprise her, she would give you the sternest look and you knew not to play with her. Her quick wit, and laid-back personality was a joy to witness. She quoted phrases that would have you laughing until you cried.

Celeste will truly be missed here in the physical but will rejoice in Heaven with family members who preceded her. She is reunited with her daughter Antoinette, twin sister Ernestine, mother and father, Joseph and Gabriella, and grandson Edward Robinson Jr.

Celestine is survived by her children Edward Sr. (Effie), Derrick, Rhonda (James), LaToria and Maria, grandchildren William Jr., Donkeisha, Edasha, Rhayne, Reaghan, Kairi, and Lawrence, great-grands Egypt, Eniyah, Ashlynn, Jahmir, and Ryan, bonus daughters Hariette (Kerry), Patria, and Latonya (Noah), sisters Josephine and Luella, nephews Thomas (Kia), Dwayne (Alicia), and Russell, nieces Tonya (Daniel), Dawn (Jamaal), and a host of great nieces/nephew, cousins, and friends