Jessie Parker Robie

She is survived by her children Linda Sparrow (Nathaniel) of Raleigh, Eileen Spahl (George) of Durham, William Robie, Jr. (Amy) of King George, VA, Richard Scott “Chip” Robie (Debby) of Clayton, Lisa Poole (Ven) of Raleigh, and David Robie of Raleigh as well as by twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and many devoted nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dr. William A. Robie, her parents Edward Ausman Parker and Nellie Wicker Parker of Rocky Mount, NC and by her brother, Richard Hardy Parker of Mechanicsville, VA.

Jessie was born on March 6, 1921 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, but grew up in Rocky Mount. She received her RN from Gallinger Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, DC in 1942, and married Bill, a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine, that same year. The next 22 years were spent in the US Navy in many locations. During this time they raised their first three children. They moved to Raleigh upon Bill’s retirement from the Navy, and raised their younger three children. Bill continued to practice pediatrics as well as work with Wake Med, Dorothea Dix and later the Social Security Disability Division, while Jess worked for a time as nurse advisor to mothers of newborns.

The Robies moved to Glenaire in Cary in 1993. Jess was known there for the birthday cards she sent to every Glenaire resident and for organizing and hosting the Glenaire Follies for almost 20 years. Jess was a kind and outgoing person who believed in living life to the fullest. She was a master of cards and Scrabble, loved all sports events, her time at Atlantic Beach, fishing, world-wide travel, her friends and above all her family.

Jessie was an active and dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, where she was recently honored with Honorary Life Membership of Presbyterian Women.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 24th at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, with visitation following the service in the Lisa Ham Gathering Space at the church. Donations in her memory may be made to the Glenaire Foundation or to the Friendship Fund of First Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.