On Wednesday, November 14, 1945 at 4:45pm, Bettye Othea (affectionately known by family as "O"), made her arrival in Inverness, (the county of Humphrey) Mississippi. She was lovingly greeted by her proud parents, William O. Rogers, Sr. and Rachel Quinn Rogers. She was the second of (5) children born to this union. She is preceded in death by both parents, one infant brother, grandparents, 2 uncles and 4 aunts. The family relocated to Fireworks Station, Illinois in June, 1951. Here young Bettye was reared in a Christian home. As a lifelong Baptist, she attended Shiloh M. B. Church where she joined and became a faithful member. She was baptized by the late Rev. J. W. Wilson in September of 1955. She loved serving the Lord and testifying of the great things He had done in her life. Through the years, she served as the church announcement clerk, a Sunday School student and teacher, member of the Inspirational Choir, Youth Supervisor, usher and president of the Senior Usher ministry for 25 years. She loved being a "Door Keeper" in the house of God. She was truly a "Servant" of the King.
Bettye received her formal education from J.M.D. Brown Elementary, Garrison, Hughes-Quinn Jr. High and graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School (District #189) on June 6, 1963 with honors. Following graduation she spent her college freshman and sophomore years at SIU in the old Rock Jr. High School building in East St. Louis, Illinois. It was here she met a young recording artist named John L. Robinson who would later become her husband. Bettye and John were united in Holy Matrimony on July 26, 1965. They were blessed with one son, Shaun Courtney.

Bettye worked at Southern Illinois National Bank in East St. Louis as a bookkeeper, and at Lewis and Howe Co. in St. Louis, MO. She was employed by the East St. Louis Broadcasting Corporation (known as WESL Radio) for 35 years, from 1972 to 2007. Her career began as a receptionist, office manager, board operator and ended being the administrative assistant to the owner and president. WESL Radio changed ownership several times; Willis Broadcasting of Norfolk, VA, R & M Broadcasting of St. Louis, MO, and finally Simmons Broadcasting of Austin, TX. Bettye remained and worked diligently with each new owner. She was affectionately referred to as "Ms. Rob". She was a mentor to many. Numerous announcers were her proteges. Bettye left a legacy of love and commitment and because of her, their lives were never the same.

It was doing these years, Bettye returned to school at night and finished her education. She made the National Dean's list 1997-1998 and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at State Community College. As a community leader, Mrs. Robinson was a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of River Bluff Council, Glen Carbon, IL and a volunteer with Dorris Davis Helping Hands Shelter. She so enjoyed bringing joy and happiness into the lives of children.

Upon retirement from radio in 2007, Bettye decided to put her degrees in Education to work. She began to teach first, second and third grades at Safe Harbor Christian Academy in Washington Park, IL. If you knew Mrs. Robinson, you knew that she enjoyed three things, reading, gardening and teaching. After the school closure, she worked as a tutor helping young people with their school academics. Finally, she was employed by AARP, and at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Belleville, IL until her illness prevented further employment.
Her greatest accomplishments were being a saved, a servant of the King, a loving mother, a devoted sister and a loyal friend. She never ceased teaching or nurturing her family with wisdom and love. She was a quiet tower of strength and determination.

Having finished her course in this life, Mrs. Robinson entered into eternal rest on January 14, 2018. Her memory will be forever cherished by her loving and devoted son, Shaun C. (Leslie) Robinson; granddaughter, Amber Sweet of Los Angeles, CA; sisters, Mrs. Mary L. (Rev. Phillip) Squires of Indianapolis, IN and Ms. Autry L. Rogers of Swansea, IL, brothers, William O. (Kathy) Rogers, Jr., of Ellisville, MO, Jonathan and Melvin Rogers of East St. Louis, IL; nieces, Benitta Squires of Indianapolis, IN, Robin Wren of Jacksonville, FL, Kymberly Avery of Atlanta, GA, Jocelyn Rogers Fuller of Seattle, WA and Krystal Minter of Dyer, IN; nephews, Erick and Vernon Squires of Indianapolis, IN, Craig Stevens Squires of San Antonio, TX and Antuan Foxworth of St. Louis, MO. Mrs. Robinson will also be missed by her second loving family, Mrs. Pat Story and daughters, Min. Erika Randolph, Mrs. Twanda Wright and Mrs. Sheritha Watson along with their families and God-daughter, Tamera Swanson. She will be forever remembered by life-long friends, Rev. Clay and Shirley Farmer, Frank Davis, special prayer partner, Mrs. Carnary Parker and special cousin, Aglova Wesley. She will be missed by her church family, her second church family, New Macedonia and many, many friends along with her great nieces and great nephews.