Merle Robbins

August 6, 1927 - November 1, 2021

Cornelius- Merle Elizabeth Mayhew Robbins; Buddy’s wife of 73 years; Pam’s Mother, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s Nanny Merle, woke up in the arms of Jesus on November 1, 2021. Over the last ten months her heart break and tears increased and He knew exactly when it was time to take her Home to the reunion we can only imagine. Merle said many times “although we do not understand, His plans and timing are always perfect”. Merle graduated from Davidson High School. She worked at the Davidson Dime store while in high school. Working there allowed her to “save every penny to buy matching bobby socks, hair bows and lip stick”. She started her career at Lance Packing Company and worked there for a few years until her daughter Pam was born. When Pam started to school she followed her passion of fashion and managed both the Sample Room Fashions and P P Pinchpinney’s located in downtown Cornelius. Both were the first “real dress shops in Cornelius” When Merle determined Haleigh needed to be with grandparents rather than daycare she retired early to enjoy time with Haleigh until she started kindergarten. When Luke was born she did the same keeping him until he started kindergarten. Buddy and Merle were life time members of Cornelius Presbyterian Church. Merle taught Sunday school for many years and always enjoyed preparing “treats” for the little ones. Merle enjoyed sewing, knitting and was an amazing cook. She was always very supportive of Buddy when it came to his involvement and his dedication to community services and looked forward to the annual Christmas party at the Davidson Fire Department for the volunteer firemen. The family enjoyed many summers at Rock Springs Campmeeting as well as many trips to the Blake Motel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Because Pam was an only child Merle was always open to allowing her to invite a friend for all vacations and had an open home for all. Merle is survived by daughter Pam (Robin) Robinette, grandchildren Haleigh Lipford and Stacey (Brian) Burge. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren Luke and Noah Lipford and Madison and TY Burge. Merle is also survived by special nephews George Camp, Joshua Camp and Carl Robbins. Just ten short months ago her husband Buddy and grandson Heath Lipford were called Home. Haleigh and I will be forever grateful that we were able to keep Daddy and Momma in their home until their appointed time. We are forever thankful for our earthly angels Momma and Daddy’s caregivers through Divine Destiny Doula Services, LLC. Our “Sunshine” (the name Momma gave her) and Diane who have never left our sides and have continued this journey with us. “Sunshine” has always let God’s light shine in her life as well as Diane while caring day and night for both of them. “Sunshine” during the last 10 months has made many sacrifices to care and love our Momma through the good times and most difficult ones. Sunshine and Diane are our family and we have complete love, respect and appreciation for their dedication. There was never a dull moment with Merle. She was one of the strongest women we have ever known. Through that determination and strength she had a pure heart. She enjoyed helping others and up until two weeks ago she and “Sunshine” enjoyed their weekly Friday food delivery to a local family which thrilled Momma’s heart. Although strong and determined, we never doubted her strong love for God, her faith and her special love for her family. A celebration of life for Merle will be at 11:00 am on Friday, November 5 at Cornelius Presbyterian Church in Cornelius with burial to follow at Bethel Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Campmeeting PO Box 264, Denver, NC 28037. James Funeral Home is serving the family.