Robbye's survivors include her two daughters, Beverly Devine of Little Rock, and Renae Hightower (Jim) of Fayetteville. Her grandchildren are Lydia Hightower Harrigan (John) of Kansas City, Missouri; Will Hightower (Kelly) of Conway; Erin Hightower of Conway; and Leah Braswell (Erica) of Little Rock. Robbye was extremely proud of her great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Samuel, and Bethany Harrigan; and Ross and Reid Braswell. One of her greatest joys was getting to meet her newest great-grandchild, Bethany, who was born just 11 days before her death. Surviving sisters are her twin sister Bobbye Phillips of Fayetteville, Virginia Ethel Dees of Stuttgart, Shirley Lee of Stuttgart, and Sue Rice of Heber Springs. She was also greatly loved by five nieces and a nephew.
Robbye had a personality never-to-be forgotten. If you ever wanted to know her opinion about politics, all you had to do was ask. She explained the night before her death that she had changed from a yellow-dog Democrat to a Republican. She also mentioned that her mansion in heaven might be smaller because she had been a devoted Democrat all those years! She was a joy to know. Laughter flowed from Robbye like water from a fountain. She laughed heartily every day of her life. She was also a committed Christian who raised her daughters in the Baptist faith in McGehee; the family was in church at least three times a week (and more often during the seasonal revivals). After her move to Fayetteville, she became a member of Central United Methodist Church. She prayed diligently for her family and enjoyed participating in Bible studies over the years. She loved flowers, bird watching, walks with grandchildren, artistic endeavors, chocolate, and anything sweet. She was an accomplished seamstress who fashioned clothing, draperies, and pillows for her family and friends. She worked for ten years at the Wesley Foundation on the University of AR campus in Fayetteville where she impacted the lives of countless students with her love for the Lord.
Condolences(6)
Flip and Kathy Smith
Springdale, AR Monday, July 19, 2010 We will miss Robbie and the joy she brought to all of us. There is no doubt in our mind that she is spreading that joy in heaven. Cherish the memories and live for eternal life when we'll see our loved ones again. Love to you all! Flip and KathyC.A. Hughes
Fayetteville, AR Wednesday, July 7, 2010 I arrived back in Fayetteville on Tuesday to learn of Robbye's death. I am saddened to lose a sweet friend, but I am so happy that she is in Heaven. We shall all be with her again someday!!! I do pray you will hold on to all those fond memories of Robbye as I know from experience they will bring much comfort to you now and in the future. She was absolutely delightful...Love you, CA HughesLaura Davis
Fayetteville, AR Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Dear Family,I loved your mother and grandmother. We were in the same Sunday School class, Truth Seekers. Robbye was a charter member of the class. She and I agreed on just about every point, and we had a great time discussing things our lessons and different topics within the class. Also, she helped in Actions and Truth Ministry by sorting and displaying clothes for the needy and was always ready for the next time we would do it. I will miss her so much. Thank you for sharing Robbye with me and all of her friends at Central.
Sincerely,
Laura Davis
Dolores La Farra
Warren, AR Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Dear Renae,I was so sorry to hear after your Mom's passing away.Nancy called me Sunday,but I did not read the Obit until today.I had planned to attend visitation at
Stephenson Dearman either last night or tonight,but
I missed everything down here.I know that it was hard.I am sure that her friends in Springdale & Fayetteville will miss her,as we all will down here.Lots of good memories...Lots of love...Lots of prayers are extended your way. Love Dolore La Farra Jones-Brown
Helen, Bob, Becca and Sarah Johnson
Jonesboro, AR Tuesday, July 6, 2010 We are so sorry to hear of Robbye's passing. She was a remarkable lady with a heart for the Lord. She touched our lives in a wonderful way. We treasure the times we spent with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.God Bless you all,
Helen, Bob, Becca and Sarah Johnson
Mr & Mrs Buford Conner
McGehee,, AR Monday, July 5, 2010 So sorry about your loss of Robby. You are in our thoughts today. We had lost track of your family.Our sincere sympathy,
Buford and Thelma Conner