Rita T. Robins

Rita Thomas Robins, 98, died Sunday, January 16, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital of complications from Covid. She was born in St. Louis and received her BS from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and her RN from St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. She got her MA at the University of Memphis. As a registered nurse, Mrs. Robins served as an Ensign in the Navy during World War II. She was on her way to Guam when the war ended. Mrs. Robins became a Psychiatric nurse and taught Special Surgeries at the UT School of Nursing before being appointed Director of Nursing at the City of Memphis Hospital. She was also a medical consultant at the Center for Reproductive Health.

Mrs. Robins was married to Axel Robins for 35 years before his death in 2001. She was the sister-in-law of Helga Robins Cornell, who died in 2017.

She is survived by her two nieces, Gloria Cornell Felsenthal (Edward) and Bunny Cornell Burson (Charles) 5 great nieces and nephews and 11 great great nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by very special friends, Joy and Charles Auerbach, Julie Sandine, Caroline Roberto, Bruce Kramer, Brittney Pulliam, Andrae Willis, Brian Meyers and Carol Blackburn.

A private service was held graveside at Temple Israel cemetery. Donations may be made to Temple Israel, Church Health, or a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Robins family.