Robena Shaw Wertz

Born in Washington, DC, Robena spent most of her life in Charlotte, where her mother, “Miss” Lillie McNeely and her uncle, Bill Covington owned the Famous West Charlotte Drive In. She attended both Boston University and the University of Missouri,

before receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Belmont Abbey, and a Master’s Degree from Appalachian State. At the time of her death, Robena was a professor of Human Services at Central Piedmont Community College. She was previously employed by United Way, the Family Support Center, and Dr. Emery Rann. A graduate of West Charlotte High School, Robena holds the distinction of being Eastern Airline’s first Black Charlotte-based ticket agent. Robena is remembered by the many students, friends and family who love her for her uncommon strength, warmth and magnetism.

Robena is survived by a brother, Clarence Shaw, of Washington DC; a daughter, Lori Wertz; a son, Langston Wertz Jr., his wife, Whitni Wilson-Wertz, and their sons, Langston III and Alexander Khamani; plus a host of loving relatives and close friends.

At Robena's request, no formal funeral will be held, nor visitation. A special memorial will be held in her honor on Sunday, May 6, respecting her wishes for a small, intimate gathering.

To honor her memory, the family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, interested persons make a donation to battle lung cancer on her behalf at this link: http://bit.ly/IjGS5P.