Ann Bevan Robbins

Ann B. Robbins
O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
My life is an example to many,
Because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Psalm 71: 5, 7-8
Ann Bevan Robbins, born April 28, 1932 in Thomasville, North Carolina, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on March 25, 2021. A most gracious Christian lady, Ann (Mom) is predeceased by her parents Robert Douglas Bevan and Mamie Rogers Bain, brothers Robert Douglas Jr and Joseph Paisley, husband John D. Robbins, Jr, daughter Elizabeth Robbins Molter, and her only nephew Robert Douglas Bevan, III. She is survived by children J.D. Robbins, III (Beth), Susan R. Eliades (Elliot), R. Douglas Robbins (Leigh), Carol L. Robbins (Ed), grandchildren Laura (James), Jack (Julia), William (Emily), Hannah (Evan), Frederick, Ashley, Nick (Lauryn), Ann Audrey (Elliott), Thomas, John Bain, Joseph, Layne, Ella, Jayden, Jacob, Hayden, Clinton, and Ann Catherine. Additionally, she was blessed with great grandchildren: Dylan, Tyler, Bryson, Breanna, Ellie, John, Claire, Beckham, Peter, Lillian, Raleigh, and Henley. She is also survived by her dear friend, college classmate, fellow teacher, and neighbor Nancy Byrd.
Growing up in NC, Ann’s father was a professional bird dog trainer and her mother a school teacher. Attending, UNC Greensboro, first as a music major, she changed course to primary education before graduating and in December of her senior year married her true love, John Robbins.
Teaching second grade at Enon Elementary School for 36 years, she influenced hundreds of young students, even instructing the children of former students. The community in which she lived and served is known as “Enon.” The significance of this toponym is not lost on her life’s work as, biblically, “Aenon” is the spring where John was baptizing after his encounter with Jesus.Our mother not only formatively taught students in the community but instilled in her own family (children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren) strong Christian values and an understanding and reverence for the God of our Creation. As a member of First Presbyterian Church in Hopewell for 66 years, across the river from “Enon”, she served as deacon, elder, choir member, choir director, circle leader, an Enabler for churches in the Presbytery of the James, Area 5, Sunday school teacher, and bible school teacher. She also received the Honorary Life Membership of Presbyterian Women. She was a true pillar of the Church. Ann served as a member of the Historic Hopewell Foundation Board where she worked tirelessly in various officer capacities, as a docent and for many years planned, directed, and facilitated the Summer Lecture Series attended by hundreds at the library. She was a 51-year member of the Hopewell Woman’s Club, a member of the Frances Bland Randolph Chapter of the NSDAR, and a member and officer of the Wonder City Investment Club. She also delivered Meals on Wheels to shut ins. However, her enduring legacy will be her character. Teaching and sharing scripture, readings, and books with her children, our mother emphasized living a life of gratitude, kindness, and grace. She lived unconditional love, preached forgiveness, and exemplified service for others and community. She urged us to “walk in His footsteps”, “make the world a better place”, live properly and work hard. She instilled a desire to be lifelong learners in true Presbyterian tradition and lectured “know where you come from.” Her favorite hymn, “Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”, will surely be sung at her memorial service which will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1107 West Broadway, Hopewell, VA 23860. We will greatly miss our mother, teacher, friend, but she will be remembered for generations. “O God, our help in ages past Our hope for years to come Our shelter in the stormy blast And our Eternal Home.” Condolences can be registered at www.jtmorriss.com