She grew up at Prairie Chapel and graduated from Drew Central High School at the age of 16 and attended Arkansas A&M College. She taught at Fountain Hill High School, where some of her students were her age. Robbie Lee married Doyle Robert Stephenson June 8, 1946 and honeymooned at the Ridgeway Hotel.
They moved to Little Rock, Jackson, TN, Memphis and Pine Bluff (Doyle's job with Singer Co.) before returning "home" to Monticello in 1998. She worked at Crow-Burlingame in Little Rock as a personal secretary, and secretary to Vice Principal at Dollarway High School for 30 years.
She loved mission work and she loved to "go"; serving in Haiti, McCurdy School in New Mexico, Sager-Brown Depot, and UMW School of Missions, each several times. She served on the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for several years, and was very active in United Methodist Women most of her life. Between mission trips, she enjoyed traveling with her friends and family to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. She was a member of the PEO of Monticello and ABWA of Pine Bluff.
Robbie was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. Survivors include three sons, Mike (Dalene) Stephenson of Monticello, Bob (Carol) Stephenson of El Dorado and Robin Stephenson of Fayetteville; one daughter, Susan Pemberton of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Casey Stephenson (Sarah), Carrie Gray (Stephen), Flaura Jaden and Penny Pemberton, Nina Rose Stephenson; great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Claire Gray, Bennett and Alice Stephenson; her brothers, Paul Douglas Shipman (Melba) of Como, MS; sister-in-law's, Wanda Shipman of Little Rock, Audrey Stephenson of Crossett and Dorothy Jones of Greenbrier; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with Rev. Dennis Spence and Rev. Keith Dodson officiating. Burial will be in Lacey Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello, AR 71655 or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 South Hill, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Lacey Cemetery Association, c/o Roy Alan White, 671 Hwy 133, Fountain Hill, AR 71642. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(17)
Cindy McKinstry
Little Rock & Green Hill, AR Saturday, March 11, 2017 You're in my prayers & thoughts during this time of your loss. God bless, CindyFran Haney
Post Falls, ID Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Mike and Dalene, I was so sorry to read of your mother passing. "As one whom His mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted." Isaiah 66:13Prayers......Fran Haney
Kelly Martin Melanson
Crossett, AR Saturday, March 4, 2017 So sorry to see this! I loved Robbie Lee! Wish Penny and I had known earlier so we could be there. Would have loved to see Mama's cousins. Love you all!Linda Whittaker
Prairie Grove, AR Friday, March 3, 2017 My thoughts and prayers for the family. I worked in Mr. Kings office my three years in high school. Mrs Stehenson was a big influence on my life.Jane Summerford
, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 I am so sorry to read of your loss of your loved one. Many prayers for all of you. She was such a sweet lady.Harold Rice
North Little Rock, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 To Paul and all of Robbie Lee's surviving family: My sincere sadness at your loss. Growing up I was a friend of the entire Shipman family and maintained that friendship through all the years since. May God Bless and keep Robbie Lee and may God bless all of you. Our Love and Friendship! Harold and Sister Joyce Jean Rice CarmicalTere Bennett Batt
Council Bluffs, IA Thursday, March 2, 2017 Stephenson family. I am so sorry to hear of Robbie's passing. I was in ABWA with her and she and my mom, Ann Douthit were friends. I share your sorrow. She was a nice lady. As my Mom passed last April, I am sure they are together in Heaven starting a new Chapter of ABWA. Mike and Bob. It is a small world. I never realized Robbie was your Mom. Deepest sympathies.Susan E (Staggs) Dillinger
Pine Bluff, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 So sorry to hear about Ms Robbie. She was a very special lady. My prayers are with the family.Barbara Karber
Eureka springs, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Susan: I know the loss of your mom is sad and you will miss her every day!I remember when we worked together at West For, you shared bthe stories of your family and how much you loved them! When the triplets came, you were so blessed to have everyone helping ! The vegetables from their garden were one of my favorite meals when I visited in Jacksonville
I am so sorry for your loss and pray that all those memories will sustain you and the girls
Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Robbie was a precious lady and fun to be around. You are in my thoughts and I pray God's peace and comfort in your loss.Clara Cater
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 So sorry to hear about Mrs. Robbie, one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the honor to help take care of, while she was at The Guesthouse of Monticello.Kim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Mike, Dalene and family,We are so sorry to hear about Ms. Robbie.
She was a special lady and loved her family so.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Pam Wells
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, February 28, 2017 My deepest sympathy for family and friends.Walter S Chapman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Ms. Robbie Lee was a sweetheart. I remember from the auxiliary from Drew Memorial. She was always at your service, a very kind and sweet lady. My condolences to the family.Carole (Doss) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Monday, February 27, 2017 To the Family,Please accept my sincere condolences. Having known Robbie most of my life, I know what a wonderful, caring person she was. My prayer is that the Lord will grant you the strength, comfort and peace that only HE can.
Carole (Doss) Rushing
Charles & Marita Wernowsky
Woodbridge, VA Monday, February 27, 2017 Robbie Lee will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family during this time of sorrow.Mary D Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Monday, February 27, 2017 Please accept my deepest sympathy to the family. I am so very sorry to hear of Robbie Lee's passing. She was such a sweet lady.