Martha Robinson Mcdaniel

Martha “Mae” Robinson McDaniel was born on June 13, 1935, in Thomasville, Georgia. She was the beloved twin sister of Mary “Ann” Sampson and the cherished daughter of Mary Ella Gatlin Robinson and Oscar Singleton Robinson of Marietta, Georgia.

She was raised in a large and loving family that included Lucious Robinson, Annie Ruth Efford (deceased), Coretha Lewis (deceased), Mary “Ann” Sampson (deceased), twins Joyce Robinson and Joanne McPhatter (both deceased), Arthur James Robinson (deceased), Oscar Richard Robinson (deceased), Leroy Robinson (deceased), Carolyn Adams, and Francis Davis. Her early spiritual foundation was nurtured at Clifford Temple and Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Martha attended Douglas Normal School and Douglass High School in Thomasville. At the age of 15, she moved to Newark, New Jersey, where she completed her secondary education at St. Michael’s Catholic School and pursued post-secondary studies at Montclair State University.

Her professional life was dedicated to service. As a nurse and the owner and founder of McDaniel’s Guest House—an assisted living facility in North Newark—Martha gave compassionate care to all, treating every resident like family. Her work was not just a job, but a calling she fulfilled with joy and love.

She was known for her warmth, her laughter, and her belief in enjoying life. She loved cookouts at the park, dancing to music, and the fellowship of family and friends. Her home was a haven where everyone was welcome to sit at her table and be fed—body and soul. Her guiding words to her family were, “You can do anything if you set your mind to it,” “Never quit, and never give up,” and “Don’t take no wooden nickels.”

Martha was the proud mother of six children from her first marriage to Troy Lee Williamson of North Carolina (deceased): Jacqueline Williamson of Belle Mead, NJ; Maria Moore Burr of Durham, NC (husband Melvin); Troy Wayne Williamson of Newark, NJ (wife Ethel); Shakeemah Williamson of Durham; Beverly Williamson Albert of Durham (husband Jervis); and Anthony R. Williamson (deceased) of Newark, NJ. She also embraced Bridget Fuller of Pennsylvania and Sadie Lorraine Cooper of Newark, NJ as daughters. In 1982, she married James Artist McDaniel, who preceded her in death in 1997.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Nakinyah Smith, Jacquetta Williamson, Tanneshia Reynolds, Lellan Curtis Moore Jr., Quinzelle and Quameer Williamson, Quadira, Quanajah, and Quamisha Williamson, Calib Thomas, Sha’Kirah Williamson, Yakima Williamson, Jervis Jr.,Melvin Burr Jr., Anthony Abdul Varnar, and Latoya Christian, Valietta “Tammy” Hooks, Shyretta Stephenson,

Known to many as 'Nana,' Martha helped raise great- and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom shared a unique and special bond with her. Her songs, stories, laughter, and wisdom shaped generations. She treated her nieces and nephews as her own and was honored in return as a guiding light. Her spirit of love extended to many honorary children and grandchildren whose lives she touched and uplifted.

Even in her final days, those who cared for her—nurses, doctors, and caregivers—were deeply moved by her grace and strength. Her legacy is etched into the hearts of all who knew her.

Her light, her stories, and her love will live on within us all.