Hilda was born on February 4, 1944 in Dayton OH to Dona Chatman and Evelyn Dickerson. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Dayton OH, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education at Knoxville College and later completed her Master of Art Education at WKU. For Hilda, singing was an intricate part of her life. She sang in the children’s church choir at Philip Temple CME Church, Dayton Ohio, and a member of the prestigious Linden Center Chorus. Her mother, Evelyn Chatman reinforced her musical talent by adding piano and singing lessons to her busy agenda. She was an acting force in encouraging her in all of her musical endeavors. Some of her accomplishments were as follows:
• Lead solo vocalist in the Roosevelt High School Choir. (1959 – 1962)
• Won first place in the district and state singing contest. (1960)
• Won an audition to sing with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. (1961)
• First television appearance was on a program called the Rising Generation. (1960)
She was offered many college scholarships but chose Knoxville College, Knoxville Tennessee. Her greatest honor was singing leading arias in the Messiah.
She was employed and retired by Jefferson County Public School for 27 years. She leaves to mourn the father of her children Edward Robinson, daughter Sonia D. Robinson-Pratt (James), son Rodney N. Robinson (Conny), grandchildren Evelyn Morgan Justine Robinson and Roy Byrd, her nieces and nephews: Djuana, Shavon, Curtis, Natasha, Juan, Todd, Renee, Latoya, Laroylyn and a host of extended family and friends. A memorial gathering will take place from 2- 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road. She will be laid to rest privately in West Memorial Gardens, Moraine OH.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18