Born Jane Ellen Dickison on June 26, 1919, as the daughter of Clarence Anson Dickison (July 28, 1878 – February 8, 1965), a school teacher, who in 1924 became Compton"s first mayor and the former Meda Kelso (October 2, 1885 – July 31, 1962).
She is the last Anglo and Republican to serve on the Compton City Council. The union produced two daughters, Paula Mae and Robyn Jane. Prior to her election, she was principal of Dickison Elementary, named after her father.
She served until 1995, when she lost a fifth reelection bid to Fred Cressel.
Upon her defeat, Omar Bradley, Compton"s often controversial mayor, spoke very highly of her. "Mission Robbins never ever said a mean thing about anyone.
She was never vindictive, even when she was attacked," Bradley was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article about her. "I would like to be more like that."
Upon leaving office, Robbins had the distinction of having the longest tenure of service on the Compton City Council.
Yvonne Arceneaux, elected to a fifth term on the Council in 2009, stands to break her record in 2012 if she remains in office.
Robbins died on March 1, 2008, at the age of 88.
In 1976, when Compton City Councilman Hillard Hamm was convicted of extortion, Robbins, won a special election to fill his seat. Robbins who"d rather recite a poem or share anecdotes about the city"s history than debate political issues, was so beloved by her constituents, that she won reelection four times without extensive campaigning.
