Joan (Jody) Robbins

August 15, 1934 - January 05, 2024

With family by her side, Joan (Jody) Robbins passed from this life to the next just past midnight on Friday, January the 5th. She defied all the doctor’s odds and had remained pretty darn lively even after being on dialysis for nearly six years. Mom was born, Maria Santa Joann Bucca, to Italian immigrants on August 15, 1934, in Lynch, Kentucky. Although she turned 89 last year, she was convinced she was literally ten years younger. No amount of math could persuade her otherwise, so we just nodded and smiled. But she was young at heart, and her life was filled with good friends and beloved family. She was married in Norton, Virginia, to her high school sweetheart, our dad, Billy Rufus Robbins. He was the football star, and she was the prom queen in that small coal mining town at the edge of the state. It was a match that would last until dad’s passing decades ago. Their life’s journey took them to Hampton Roads, where dad graduated from The Apprentice School at the Newport News Shipyard and built ships while mom stayed home and wrangled four little girls. Together they worked hard to keep clothes on our backs and hair on their heads. In the early 70s, the pull of the mountains called them back, and they relocated the family to Floyd. A new life began there, and “The Robbins Girls” (by then teenagers) were unleashed on FCHS. Mom was often a substitute teacher at the high school and never balked at handing out extra lunch money to us so we could sneak into town and buy a burger at the drive-in. She and dad both worked at Hollingsworth & Vose for many years. When she retired she volunteered at Angels in the Attic and brought home more lamps than are on display at Target. She was an avid bridge player and was never far from a deck of cards. She could play bridge with friends, Scopa (an Italian card game) with us, or solitaire when alone. Cards and good friends kept her sharp to the end, and her girls and grandkids kept her active. She moved from Floyd to English Meadows Senior Living in Blacksburg a year and a half ago. Although reluctant (putting it mildly) to leave Floyd, she eventually settled in and enjoyed new friends, bingo games, trips out with other residents, and of course, playing bridge. Mom is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Robbins; her father and mother, Frank and Delina Bucca; her brother, Bob Bucca; in-laws, Gifford and Alma Robbins; brothers-in-law, Gip and Joe Robbins, and her much loved son-in-law, Kent Quesenberry. We suspect a riotous party is in progress beyond the Pearly Gates, and for that we apologize. She leaves behind one brother, Frank, Jr (Connie) Bucca. Mom was adored by her sister-in-law, Joyce Robbins (the Ethel to her Lucy), plus six other sisters and brothers-in-laws, and nieces and nephews spread out from the East Coast to Texas. Mom especially indulged her grandchildren to the point that their pediatricians were alarmed at their cholesterol levels after a weekend with Nana. But Italian grandmothers feed both the body and the soul, and her grandbabies were no exception. She also leaves behind Allison (Ben) Frye, Galax; Cara (Will) Frye Bumpass, Va; Adelina (David) Asher, Blacksburg; Sean (Shelby) Krayer, Buena Vista, Co; Hanna (pup, Molly) Krayer, Ft. Collins, Co; Billie (Kerry) Quesenberry, Floyd; Jessie (Wes) Turpin, Floyd; plus great-grandchildren, Jackson, Katelyn, Scarlett, Ivy, Henry, Nora, and a new baby boy, due soon. And, of course, she will be missed every day by her four daughters who inherited her love of food, laughter, life, and the DNA chops for a good argument, Robin (Chris) VanCantfort, Ocean Pines, Md; Dee Dee (Michael) Papit, Brownsburg, Va; Tina (Paul) Krayer, Fairlawn; and Joni (Kent, dec.), Quesenberry, Floyd. Arrivederci, Mom! The spaghetti water is boiling, and we will lift a glass to you and celebrate your long life. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am till 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, with a funeral service to follow immediately at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, Floyd. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Floyd, one of her favorite places to be.

We are so sorry about Jody‘s passing. She was such a special person, and meant so much to us through the years. We have so many good memories of being with her and Bill and all the kids. We love you all so much.

What a wonderful lady who loved and lived life with such contagious joy! Oh what fun we had playing bridge for many years! She was a force and will be missed! ❤️❤️

My condolences to the immediate family and to all who knew Jody and were touched by her unconditional love. She was always a light in the dark and quick to do a favor. she was a dedicated friend, a loving mother, a proud and passionate grandmother and adoring great grandmother. Rest In Peace.

So sorry to hear about your mom's passing. She was a beautiful person, and you could see she carried the bright light of Christ everywhere she went. Jody had a wonderful smile and she cared about everyone she met. She treated me like one of her daughters and was so good to me. She will be greatly missed by all. So sorry.

It is so hard to lose someone you love especially your mother. May you find comfort in all of the memories you have of her and know that she is with your father in heaven and will always be watching over you with love.

Sorry for your loss .

Love u sweet sister in law You taught me to cook ground meat in boiling water for spaghetti sauce! Viva Italian! Give Joe my love!

So sorry of your loss. Prayers for the family.

Oh to my special best friend, You have no idea how much I'm going to miss your infectious laugh, words of encouragement, and our long talks about food, family, and farm life. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Simply remarkable is the only way I can come close to describe you. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family, but I must agree with the girls, there is definitely a party going on at the gates....

Jody and Bill were the best. I worked with them at H&V and they were great to be around. Jody was like a mother to everyone. They are missed.

Oh Jody — I’m gonna miss you so much— even tho I know we and our gang will be together again at some point. Jody, you have been so important to my life. You were -always a special open -hearted intelligent woman whose life checked all of the “good” boxes! Beautiful inside and out, you always were authentically JODY (no pretense, no guise) ! AND that is extremely rare!! I am so glad that we were friends. See you later!! Love and light, Barbara

Traci and I are very sad to learn of Aunt Jody's passing. She was a wonderful aunt. I have such fond memories of spending time with Jody and family at family reunions. I remember Jody being warm, loving, and sassy. She was a great cook. I remember eating hot dogs and chili at her home. Our thoughts are with Robin, Dee Dee, Tina, Joni, and all the family. We love you. Greg, Traci, Holly, and Shelby

My condolences to Dee and all her family members. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Robbins but she must have been special. She raised an amazing talented daughter. (Dee)

So sorry to say goodbye to Jody. She was the best of the best. She and Bill were such a beautiful couple. Always admired them. For 25 years at H&V she and I were the “Lucy and Ethel”, we had so much fun. Prayers for the family, she will surely be missed. Love

Jody was a great friend for many years and a great bridge partner. She will be missed but never forgotten. We shall meet again. The weather being what it is today we will be unable to attend the service but girls you are in our prayers and the extended family.