Barbara Jean Robertson, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 30th 2019 in The Villages, FL, while surrounded by family. She was in her 80th year. She was born on March 9th, 1938 to James Woodrow and Bonnie Regina VanNess in Beckley, West Virginia.
Throughout her full life, Barbara lived in many cities throughout the south such as, Miami, Austin, New Orleans, and Marietta, GA. She always made it a point to keep up with her friends from other towns including her long-time best friend Mary Lou Janoe. With such a vast network of loved ones, Barbara became an expert entertainer and any guest that had the pleasure to come into her home was treated to a model of southern hospitality. She was known throughout her communities for her mint juleps, her ambrosia salad, and, of course, her red velvet cake. Barbara was also a prodigious tennis player, and, according to those who were matched with her, a formidable competitor. Her competitive streak extended as well to friendly games of cards, dominoes, and golf.
In 1975 she earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola University New Orleans. She was also a proud sister of the Delta Gamma sorority at Southern Methodist University. Barbara was a committed educator and always jumped at a chance to share her love of reading and the English language with her students, children, and grandchildren. She took time, even in retirement, to tutor and mentor underprivileged children and gave so many young people the gift of knowledge. Barbara was a devoted Methodist and was involved in church activities and outings throughout her life. She had a great love for all of God’s creatures and her home was never complete without a beloved dog.
She is survived by her husband Roger Robertson, her children Sherralynn and Jerry Moschella, Sallie Zayac and her friend Cindy Askew, Larry and Holly Davis, Brad Davis and Soraya Hadipour-Davis and her grandchildren Nicole Fey, James Davis, Ryan Zayac, Meghan Fey, Alex Zayac, Brad Davis Jr., and Luke Davis.
Services will be held at New Covenant United Methodist Church of The Villages on February 11, 2019 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the ASPCA (www.aspca.org/donate) in Barbara’s name or SPCA of Ocala 6900 NE Jacksonville Rd., PMB 024 Ocala, Fl 34479 spcaofocala.org.
“You be the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground. I’ll be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds.” – Delta Gamma Saying
