Obituary

Shirley Payne Robinson, 90, went home to be with The Lord on Thursday, February 20th, 2025. Preceding her in death is her husband of sixty three years William J Robinson Jr. Shirley is survived by her two daughters Terry Thacker (Tim), Lori Freeland (Bill); Grandsons, Josh Hovermale (Ashley), Patrick Thacker (Vania), Derek Thacker, Warrick Thacker (Victoria), great grandsons Jordan, Brantley and Oakley, brother Floyd Payne, and brother in law Eddy Robinson (Pat), and numerous nieces and nephews

Shirley grew up in Charlottesville, VA attending Lane High School. She would often recall the days of her childhood, and could impress you with the smallest of details, even recalling what she wore on a certain day. She loved telling her stories from her youth.

Shirley was loved by all and went by many names; Mom, Momma, Grandma, G-MA,  Mostest, and The Colonel, just to name a few. She was a faithful member of Grace Gospel Chapel where you could find her helping in the kitchen. Known for her macaroni and cheese, and her potato water gravy, which has yet to be replicated, she made sure you were well fed, but would swear every dish was “The worst she ever made.”

She would often tell you that when she was growing up all she wanted was a home of her own, and that’s exactly what she did. She made a house a home, always calling her style homey, and froufrou.  She was a devoted mother who raised two daughters with love and resilience, all while Bill worked double and triple shifts. She took on the role of nurturer and caregiver, lovingly balancing the demands of raising her girls and later caring for her elderly mother and grandson.

She had many passions in life. She enjoyed coloring with her pencils, which she had hundreds, if not thousands and somehow knew the shade of each and every one. You could see the pride in her eyes as she showed off her pictures. In her later years she could be found going down the aisles of Kroger, chatting with anyone she came across, thanking military members for their service, and looking forward to seeing the employees that became cherished friends to her.

Shirley was a bright spirit who touched the lives of everyone she met. Never meeting a stranger, she had an incredible ability to make friends wherever she went and could always bring a smile to those around her. Her warmth and kindness defined her, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.