Mary Robbins

Mary Doris Lea Robbins, 86, died April 28, 2019, with her family by her side. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Bill Robbins and parents Ed and Liller Lea. All nine of her beloved older siblings, Emma, Lester, Rayburn, O.D., Doyle, Garland, Mattie, Calvin, and Betty Jean also preceded her in passing.

Born and raised in Sparkman, Arkansas, she played on her high school’s women’s basketball team. After marrying Bill, the couple first settled in Malvern, Arkansas. and later spent 17 years in Bedford, Indiana., before returning to Arkansas in retirement. Together, they enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling. Her friends from Mt Zion Baptist Church in Malvern and from her high school days in Sparkman brightened her entire adult life.

Among her many talents, Mary quilted dozens of blankets for her family and made the best sweet potato, lemon, and coconut cream pies. Mary was an exceptional caregiver, whether she was tending her beautiful flower garden or rocking babies in the nursery on Sunday mornings at Mount Zion. Most of all, she loved and cared for her children, Rex (Sandy) Robbins and Peggy (John) Thomas , her grandchildren, Jamie (Shawn) Nikirk , Brett (Jaclyn) Thomas, Megan (Brad) Weatherford, Kelly, Mary, and her great-grandchildren, Dalton, Dylan, Tori, Tobin, Jax, Stella and Weston.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers at Twin Rivers in Arkadelphia and in the last few months, at Stonebridge in Bedford, Indiana as well as members of the congregation at Mt Zion and their pastor, Donis Smead. Family and friends are invited to visit, remember and celebrate Mary’s life on Saturday, May 4 at 10 am with services to begin at 11 am at Ruggles Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.