Robinson, Lettice (nee Fawkes, nee Goodrich) (1808-1876)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R Robinson

Mrs. LETTICE ROBINSON, whose maiden name was Goodrich, was born near Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, 1808; and exchanged mortality for “eternal life,” at Derby, January 5, 1876. Her parents were respectable farmers. The subject of this sketch was converted to God and joined our Church when she was quite young. She was well acquainted with H. Bourne, and the early race of our ministers.

Soon after her marriage to her first husband, Mr. J. Fewkes, they removed to Loughborough, where for a number of years they were a stay and support to our cause. All the ministers who laboured in that station in those days, have said that if they needed material help for schools, chapels, salary, or other objects, they never appealed in vain to her, and her two dear companions, the late Mr. J. Mayes, and Mrs. Flavel. On all anniversary occasions the minister and people were sure to meet with a hearty and hospitable reception in her comfortable home.

In 1847, she was united in marriage to Rev. R. Robinson, who found in her a real Christian, one of the best of wives, and a wise counsellor. During the long time of our labours in Sheffield, nearly nine years at one time, she had much joy in seeing many souls converted, and added to the Church. She and her dear friend, Mrs. Copley, raised a new class, on a Tuesday afternoon, which soon numbered thirty members; it was divided into two classes, but these again soon numbered thirty; it was again divided and again by indefatigable care, industry, and perseverance, it was raised to as many or more than its former number. Many a time I have seen her face all aglow as she has led one female penitent after another to the throne of mercy—she had a most happy way of going direct to the throne by the cross.

About fifteen years ago, bronchitis attacked her, and from that time to her death, winter by winter, she was prostrated and detained for months together from the house of the Lord. Her sufferings were not only protracted, but very severe. But the Lord sustained her. As she neared eternity, her natural fear of death was all taken away. About a week before her death, a nephew called to see her, who had not served the Lord, but whose mother died a Primitive Methodist, rejoicing in the God of her salvation. She said to him, “James, what shall I say to your mother when I meet her in heaven?” To all who spoke to her she gave the strongest assurance of her unshaken confidence in the Lord that he would save her for ever. When the power of speech failed her, and while friends were singing round her bed, her countenance was lit up with a beautiful smile; and when they ceased, she looked round, and raised her hands to urge them to sing on. The room was filled with glory. Every one felt that God was there. The last moment came,

“Calm as the summer evening’s latest sigh—
Which shuts the rose.”

Family

Lettice was born in 1808 near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, to parents Thomas and Sarah. She was baptised on 3 February 1808 at Uttoxeter.

She married John Fewkes (d1846) on 15 August 1823 at Rocester, Staffordshire.

She married Robert Robinson (1813-1899), a PM minister, in the spring of 1847 in the Loughborough Registration District, Leicestershire. 

Lettice died on 5 January 1876 at Derby, Derbyshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1877/438

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Note: The baptismal record has the name – Letitia Godrich.