Robin Ann Brewster

Robin Ann Brewster, age 67, died peacefully in the comforts of her home early Thanksgiving morning. Her husband Victor and son Tyler were holding her hands as she was released from the pain and suffering caused by her 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. In the hours, days, and weeks before Robin was visited by many immediate and extended family members as well as close friends and her neighborhood walking friends. One of her last acts of caring and thinking of others first was to have the Christmas Tree decorated and Stockings hung from the mantle so she could see the joy in her grandchildren’s eyes as they opened several small gifts from their beloved GMR.

Robin is survived by her husband Victor A. Smith, Sr; Victor A. Smith, JR (son); J. Tyler Smith (son); Grandchildren Cleo Marie Smith and Preston Garrett Smith, Gracie (GG) Smith, her beloved “grand dog;” Daughters-in-law, Kimberly Brimhall, Rene O’Neil. Siblings; sister Dawn Booth (GUY), brothers Michael W. Brewster (Annette); and James (JEB) Brewster (Pamela), and many beloved nieces and nephews. Robin was preceded in death by her father James E. Brewster and mother Shirley Taylor Brewster.

Robin referred to herself as an ARMY brat. She started her life at Fort Benning Georgia and journeyed from there to army bases in Karlsruhe and Kitzingen Germany, Fort Bliss Texas (twice), and finally Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In between several of those assignments Robin’s family returned to the hometowns of her parents, Glade Springs and Chilhowie Virginia, while their father was deployed in overseas combat zones. Robin believed that these early life experiences instilled a lifelong sense of curiosity, adaptability, resilience, and friendliness in her persona.

Robin had an extensive and rewarding 37-year career with predecessor banks of the current Truist Financial Corporation; retiring in 2015 at age 58. During the early years of her career, she managed bank branches in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Richmond. Later she was promoted to regional and corporate roles leading large and skilled teams across the bank’s geographic footprint. During this period of personal and business skills development, she was selected to attend, and graduated, from the Consumer Bankers Association school of Retail Bank Management at the University of Virginia.

Robin excelled in multiple key roles supporting various corporate initiatives, mergers, and system conversions. Twice she was asked to serve as the bank’s United Way Chair for the Greater Washington Region (GWR) and the Richmond Capital Region. These initiatives both met their respective financial goals, helping to raise well in excess of $1 million in each geographic region. Robin also chaired fundraising efforts in both regions for “Making Strides” Breast Cancer awareness.

After her marriage to Victor, they both relocated to Richmond to continue their respective banking careers. Robin immediately embraced her new home and loved the Richmond area’s mix of diversity, history, and culture. This love and admiration led her to multiple service leadership roles in her new community.

She was a 2011 graduate of the Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) Quest program. In the years after graduation from the program she made contacts throughout the region which she supported with her time, experience, and financial assistance. As a member of the Board of Directors of LMR in 2019 she began a yearlong commitment and service as Chair of the Board for the LMR organization. She was most proud of her leadership role during this period, which included the pandemic year of 2020. Robin called on her former banking contacts to quickly assist in obtaining a government loan to keep the organization fully engaged in its community work. Robin also served on the Board of Directors of the Friends Association for Children, and The Doorways, serving as treasurer at The Doorways. She strived to exemplify servant leadership in all her roles professionally, personally, and in the community. As the mom to a Virginia Tech (VT) graduate she passionately believed and embraced their motto “UT PROSIM” (That I May Serve)

Robin understood the financial challenges first generation college students face having been unable to complete her own college dream. She “adopted” Virginia Tech, and she was a proud HOKIE. Robin and Victor were early supporters of the Virginia Tech “Beyond Boundaries” scholarship program. Later, after her cancer diagnosis, she established a Cancer Research Fund at the VT Fralin Biomedical Institute. Robin and Victor were continuously inspired by the stories, ambitions, and accomplishments of the scholarship students they met and supported. And of course, she never stopped jumping during Enter Sandman!

Robins’ love of reading an enjoyable book helped to impart a love of reading to both her sons, her grandchildren, and others. She had a secret dream to own a children’s bookstore. She was often called the “book” aunt and grandma. She delighted in finding and giving books with various messages and lessons in life, and she would read to the children in her life by way of Facetime or Zoom when necessary.

Robin loved traveling with her family and for over 35 years enjoyed planning adventurous trips to most of the major National and State Parks. It was an immense thrill to return with Cleo and Preston to many of these places visited with her sons. She loved Singer Island, Florida and treasured the many leisurely Florida beach days with Victor and with the family at a family Condo they called “SmitherGlades.”

Despite the cancer, this summer she was able to meet both of her final goals in life. She saw her son Tyler graduate from Vanderbilt University’s MBA program, and she planned and enjoyed a trip with the entire family to Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Whistler-Blackcomb Park in British Columbia, Canada. At home she treasured slow walks in the neighborhood and along the James River with her special walking friends and neighbors Beth, Vivian, and Nylah, and her beloved “grand dog” and special girlfriend Gracie. Throughout her illness, she often spoke of the many miracles and blessings she experienced. She received hundreds of inspirational messages and loving cards that brightened each day.

The family is grateful to the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Cancer Center and Infusion teams for the comprehensive care and respect that Robin received throughout her battle. The family is also grateful for the love and care provided by Trinity United Methodist Church and from her wonderful “church” family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday December 19, 2024, at 1:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 903 Forest Avenue Henrico, Virginia 23229. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Robin A. Brewster – Smith family Cancer Fund at Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Institute, Bon Secours – St. Mary’s Foundation, or the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Arrangements for Services provided by Woody/Dignity of Richmond.