Rachel Armstrong Robinson

WHITAKERS – Rachel Armstrong Robinson, age 97, of the Salem Community in Nash County, achieved her final life’s goal of meeting her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as her faith became sight on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on March 1, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Charlie “Mr. Charlie” Lawrence Armstrong, Sr. and Mary Linda Green Armstrong. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John William “Billy” Robinson; her grandson, Scott Herring; and her half sister, Dorothy Fisher.

Rachel was born in the Salem Community in the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Anna Green. Her mother tragically passed when Rachel was two, succumbing to injuries from an automobile accident. After her mother’s death, Mr. Charlie married Lola Winfrey Armstrong who became Rachel’s step-mother. Mr. Charlie and Miss Lola added four children to the family. After their marriage, the family lived in Battleboro and attended Hickory Baptist Church. This was Rachel’s first experience in church, where she accepted the lord and began a life of church involvement and dedication to the Lord.

As a child, she attended Red Oak High School and there, she met the love of her life, Billy. After graduation from Red Oak High School, she attended Lee McRae College but left college life to marry Billy, who was serving in the Navy during World War II. After their marriage they lived in Key West, FL where Billy was stationed while Rachel taught at a local school. After Key West, the couple moved to Rhode Island where Billy completed his military service and, once again, Rachel taught kindergarten.

After his service, they returned to Nash County and lived near Billy’s home in Dortches and began a lifelong career in farming. Shortly after, they moved to Salem and continued farming and raising their family. In addition, after relocating to the Salem Community, she was involved in starting the Salem Missionary Baptist Church where her love of the Lord matured and her lifelong service to the Lord and to her beloved church began. Her service to the Lord continued her entire life and included teaching Sunday School for many years. Rachel was Billy’s “righthand man”, supporting her husband with whatever the circumstances required from driving a truck to the grain market or a tractor in the field. She managed all this while keeping a clean house that had the cleanest windows in Nash County. Soon after moving to Salem, they started adding to their family. The family consisted of their three children Linda (Jerry) Stirman of Raleigh, Judy (Richard) Pitt of Fayetteville, and Bill (Laura) Robinson of Salem Community. All their children loved the farm life through their childhoods. From her children, she was blessed with seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. These children and grandchildren were also the loves of her life. Also surviving are half siblings, Charlene Price, Charlie Armstrong, Jr. and Patricia Luper.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Rachel’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Salem Community Baptist Church, 4502 Swift Creek School Road, Whitakers, NC 27891 with Rev. Caleb Gibson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, July 15, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rachel’s memory to Salem Community Baptist Church, 4502 Swift Creek School Road, Whitakers, NC 27891.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.