Judith Robinson

Judith Chandler Robinson, 85, of Brevard, passed away at home on Nov. 17, 2020, surrounded by her family singing softly.

Born to Dudley Carlyle and Georgia Totten Chandler on June 25, 1935 in Kingsport, TN, her family moved between North and South Carolina as her father’s textile mill positions dictated and eventually settled in Lincolnton, NC, where she met her future husband, Jerry G. Robinson.  After high school their courtship continued when Jerry entered Davidson College and they married following his junior year.  Their first two sons were born as he completed his studies and the young family relocated to Decatur, GA, where he completed his Master of Divinity degree.  Their pastoral life began in serving small churches in SC and settled them in Edgefield, where they welcomed their third son to the flock and developed friendships they held dear through the rest of their days. All the churches and communities served were enhanced by Judy’s gracious hospitality, loving ways, gentle nature and quick wit.

She attended Lenoir-Rhyne and Gaston Colleges and completed her degree in nursing at USC-Aiken.  From there, the family relocated to Brevard, where Jerry served as pastor of Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church.  Her career took her to hospital settings, the practice of Dr. Charles Lefler in Brevard, and eventually to her calling as a Public Health Nurse in Macon and Gaston Counties until her retirement.  Her role as a Mother/Baby nurse took her on many home visits in the hills, hollers, rural communities and urban settings-each filled with loving compassion, a gentle smile and a steady presence for new and veteran moms.  She never lost her love of babies and asked to hold, rock, and cuddle even when she was no longer able to verbalize those wishes.

Judy created a welcoming home wherever the family settled.  The talented cook, creative homemaker and gracious hostess brought folks together at a dining room table set with Canton china and all the trimmings as well as picnics of homemade pimiento cheese sandwiches and fresh tomatoes from the garden--equally served with love--and a big pitcher of sweet tea with lemon, affectionately called DDTea cuz no one could make it like she.

Her parents, beloved sister Martha and love of her life, Jerry, preceded her in death.  She is survived by sons Jerry “Rob” (Lisa) and Tim (Anna) of Brevard and David (Melissa) of Pineville, grandchildren-Chris Robinson, Nathan Robinson, Amanda Lambert, Jesse Robinson, Olivia Shuler, Anna Li Robinson and Lily Robinson, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Kay (Erson) Whitener of Denver NC and brother Dr. D.C. Chandler, Jr. (Winborne) of Winston-Salem, dear nieces, nephews and cousins, her chosen family members Kathy Carlyle (Gail Johnson) of Aiken, SC and James Carlyle, Atlanta, and precious friends Sandy and Dick Canon of Texas.

A family celebration will be held at a later date when they can gather safely. To leave a condolence or memory of Judy Robinson, visit “asimplecremationwnc.com.”

Judy’s family expresses profound gratitude to Becca Teague of Shirley’s Angels and the staff of Care Partners Hospice of Brevard for the loving care and support of Judy and her family during this journey.  Please consider a memorial to Care Partners Hospice of Brevard (www.CarePathways.com) and/or a kind gesture to others to perpetuate her loving legacy.