Obituary for Staralee Robbins (Redd)
STARALEE ROBBINS was born in Longacre, West Virginia, on Monday, October 23, 1922, to Thomas Green Redd and Ercell Scott. She married Clarence Robbins, Jr. on December 23, 1948. Staralee passed away, at the age of 99, on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Her last aspiration was to reach 100, but an all-knowing God had other plans.
Staralee was the beloved wife of the late Clarence Robbins, Jr., who preceded her in death on September 24, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Elizabeth Mizelle; and brother, Roy Redd.
She was the devoted mother of Eric M. Robbins and his wife, Deborah McQuesten; daughter, Barbara C. Jackson; the cherished grandmother of Dearik (Lisa) Jackson, DeJuan (LaShonna) Jackson, Sr., Carey McQuesten, Michael (Christina Deal) Jackson, Brittany (James) Pratt, and Tyler McQuesten; the affectionate great grandmother to 16 great grandchildren,
and survived by a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Staralee was the vibrant, strong, loving, and outspoken matriarch of the family. She had such a big heart. She opened her home, at 1474 Fair Avenue, to many young men and ladies in search of a place to call home. Staralee carefully nurtured and encouraged each of “her girls” to further their education, wisely counseled them in difficult times or when hard decisions needed to be made, gave them a home away from home, and treated them with love, dignity, and respect. She was known as Mom, Big Mom, Big Mama, Star, Staralee, and/or Mrs. Robbins. Above all, she was a mentor, confidante, and friend. She made a difference in so many lives.
Staralee didn’t just tell young people about being successful. She demonstrated what she talked about through her actions. She had a strong work ethic, which she instilled in those around her. She was a prosperous entrepreneur. She opened a business, Starlette Beauty Salon, in 1962, and she was a practicing beautician for 63 years. She was a devoted, long-term member of Woodland Christian Church and Macedonia Baptist Church. She loved people and she loved God. Any meaningful conversation with her would often include these words, “God is real. Trust Him and He will see you through. Read your Bible. Without Him, we are nothing and can obtain nothing.” She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by many.
Staralee was the beloved wife of the late Clarence Robbins, Jr., who preceded her in death on September 24, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Elizabeth Mizelle; and brother, Roy Redd.
She was the devoted mother of Eric M. Robbins and his wife, Deborah McQuesten; daughter, Barbara C. Jackson; the cherished grandmother of Dearik (Lisa) Jackson, DeJuan (LaShonna) Jackson, Sr., Carey McQuesten, Michael (Christina Deal) Jackson, Brittany (James) Pratt, and Tyler McQuesten; the affectionate great grandmother to 16 great grandchildren,
and survived by a host of great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Staralee was the vibrant, strong, loving, and outspoken matriarch of the family. She had such a big heart. She opened her home, at 1474 Fair Avenue, to many young men and ladies in search of a place to call home. Staralee carefully nurtured and encouraged each of “her girls” to further their education, wisely counseled them in difficult times or when hard decisions needed to be made, gave them a home away from home, and treated them with love, dignity, and respect. She was known as Mom, Big Mom, Big Mama, Star, Staralee, and/or Mrs. Robbins. Above all, she was a mentor, confidante, and friend. She made a difference in so many lives.
Staralee didn’t just tell young people about being successful. She demonstrated what she talked about through her actions. She had a strong work ethic, which she instilled in those around her. She was a prosperous entrepreneur. She opened a business, Starlette Beauty Salon, in 1962, and she was a practicing beautician for 63 years. She was a devoted, long-term member of Woodland Christian Church and Macedonia Baptist Church. She loved people and she loved God. Any meaningful conversation with her would often include these words, “God is real. Trust Him and He will see you through. Read your Bible. Without Him, we are nothing and can obtain nothing.” She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by many.