With deep love and profound sadness, we celebrate the life of Renee Robinson Cromartie, whose warmth, creativity, and generous spirit touched countless lives. Renee passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, kindness, and meaningful connections that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Born on March 26, 1958, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Renee was the beloved daughter of Charles and Betty Robinson. A proud Greensboro native, she attended St. Pius X Catholic School, Mendenhall Middle School, and Grimsley Senior High School before continuing her education at Bennett College.

At Bennett, Renee’s creativity and vibrant personality flourished. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts while immersing herself in campus life as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Dance Group, the Coronation Ball Committee, and the Art Club. She also had the honor of serving as First Attendant to Miss Bennett, an early reflection of the grace, confidence, and joy she carried throughout her life.

Renee’s artistic gifts naturally led her to a career in cosmetology, where she found not only her profession but her calling. After graduating from Leon’s Beauty School, she devoted decades to serving clients at Leon’s Beauty Salon and later at 329 PM Hair Salon. To Renee, hairstyling was never simply about hair, it was about helping people feel beautiful, seen, and cared for. Her chair became a place of laughter, conversation, friendship, and community, and the relationships she built over the years became as meaningful to her as the work itself.

A lifelong artist in every sense of the word, Renee’s creativity extended far beyond the salon. Whether she was painting, crocheting, making jewelry, or exploring a new artistic pursuit, she found joy in creating beauty with her hands. She approached life with imagination, curiosity, and an eye for possibility, leaving pieces of her creativity woven into the lives and homes of those she loved. She was also a model who carried herself with elegance and confidence, and one of her greatest joys was teaching anyone willing to learn how to perfect a model's walk. Whether it was a family member, friend, or someone she had just met, Renee delighted in sharing that confidence with others, reminding them to stand tall, smile brightly, and own every room they entered.

Perhaps Renee’s greatest gift was her heart. She truly never met a stranger. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and at ease, and her infectious smile and genuine interest in others left lasting impressions wherever she went. Her bright light illuminated every room she entered, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Renee was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty Robinson; her brother, Chris Robinson; and her sister, Angela Robinson Pridgen.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Marche Robinson Newell (Michael); her son, Nizaire Cromartie (Juli); and her beloved granddaughters, Scottie and Esme. She also leaves behind many cherished relatives, lifelong friends, devoted clients, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness, creativity, and love.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to share with Renee. Her artistry, compassion, laughter, and unwavering love will remain with us always. Her life reminds us that beauty is found not only in what we create, but in how we love one another, and that is the masterpiece she leaves behind.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 12pm, at Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home 909 East Market Street Greensboro, NC.