Judge Robinson was born in Dodge City, Kansas. She graduated from the University of Texas with a B.A. in 1948, and received her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1950, where she was one of only six women in her graduating class. From 1950 to 1955, she was a Partner with Robinson & Robinson in Amarillo, Texas.
From 1955 to 1958, she served as a Judge on the Potter County Court in Amarillo. From 1960 to 1972, she served as a Judge on the 108th District Court in Potter County. Judge Robinson then served, from 1973 to 1979, as a Justice on the Texas Court of Civil Appeals, Seventh Supreme Judicial District.
President Carter appointed Judge Robinson to the Northern District of Texas in 1979. Her chambers are in Amarillo, Texas.