Lelia Mae Robbins

Lelia Mae Robbins, (Fantroy), was born on January 1, 1951, in Mobile Alabama. There
she attended grade school, graduated from Williamson High School in 1969 and lived in
Alabama until 1971. Lelia relocated to Chicago with her aunt Romillie Adams (Aunt
Rose), after giving birth to her son Keith Robbins. Upon arriving in Chicago and settling
in, Lelia was hired to work as an Administrative Assistant at Chicago State University.
Lelia met Millard Robbins in 1973 and the two were married on November 13, 1973.
Lelia gave birth to her second child, Monique Robbins in 1976. In 1979 she gave birth to
a third child Monica Robbins and then her fourth child, Millard Markangelo Robbins in
1982. Lelia had a keen sense of style for fashion and hair. She enrolled in Debbie’s
School of Cosmetology in 1985 and opened a salon in South Shore in 1987 with a
friend. By 1990, Lelia transitioned from cosmetology and pursued other career paths.
She worked briefly for the Tribune Company and O’Hare Airport during the 1990’s. Lelia
and Millard divorced in 1999 but the two remained friends until his passing in 2016. In
2000 Lelia relocated to Hammond, Indiana and was hired with Strack N’ Van Til and
worked there until 2013. Lelia decided to retire from Strack N’ Van Til to become a
caregiver for her oldest son who is now wheelchair bound.
Lelia passed away on April 9, 2025, at her daughter Monica’s home surrounded by her
loved ones.
Lelia is survived by her four children, Keith Robbins, Monique Robbins, Monica
Robbins, (Marlon Craig) and Millard Markangelo Robbins; grandchildren, Cassidy
Sutton, Laila Robbins and Meilani Craig; great grandson, My’Aire Pierce; siblings, Betty
George and Timothy Simmons; niece and nephew Kristie George (Karrington) and
Timothy Simmons Jr; Aunt, Romillie Adams; other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear
friends.
Lelia was preceded in death by her mother Adele Simmons and her late husband
Millard Robbins.
Lelia developed a passion for gourmet cooking and collected over 1,000 recipes.
She was a loving mother and grandmother and was very close with her children and
grandchildren. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

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