Florence Godwin Robbins

Smithfield: 

Florence Inez Godwin Robbins, 95, of Smithfield went to be with her heavenly father December 24^th, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Thomas Webb “Onions” Robbins. Florence is survived by three loving daughters, Marie Johnson (Tim), Anne Little (Bobby), and Evelyn Levine (Tom). Six grandchildren, Cathy Brown (Mike), Susan Mathias (Larry) Tiffany Moore (Kevin), Judson Little (Kaitlin), Brandi Hobbs (Daniel), and Anneliese Woodall (Neil) loved her as their Mammaw. Parker, Joshua, Logan, Stephen, Daniel, Casey, Lauren, Christian, Brooks, RJ, Danny, Nate, Baby Hobbs (arriving in 2021), Art, and Miles knew her as their Great Grandmother. Kameron, Tanner, Wyatt, and Baby Bimbler (arriving in 2021) were blessed to call her Great Great Grandma!   

Florence, the only daughter of John and Lell Godwin, grew up at Oak Level, her family farm. She attended Farmville Teachers College, known today as Longwood University, and graduated with a degree in education. Married to her lifetime love, Florence and Onions raised three precious daughters. In Smithfield, they owned and operated the furniture store Thomas W. Robbins, Inc. which helped many newlyweds turn their first house into a home.  

In retirement, Florence's love of history and heart for service bloomed. She volunteered and worked part-time at the Isle of Wight Museum for many years. As the keeper of family history, she recorded a detailed chronicalization of events and family connections, even down to the smallest detail like the date and ownership of family heirloom pieces. Florence routinely kept up with current events by always having at least one newspaper, usually The Smithfield Times, close at hand. She also made time to regularly visit friends at Magnolia Manor and to volunteer with Eastern Star. 

Florence left a legacy of love, love for her savior Jesus and love for her family. As an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, one regularly found her teaching Sunday School, folding bulletins in the church office, sitting in her favorite pew, or going on outings with her M&Ms (Mature Methodists). To the delight of her grandchildren scattered from California to Georgia to New Jersey to Virginia, Mammaw was always willing to whip up some of her famous pancakes. Even with grandchildren well into adulthood, it was common for her to get requests to cut pancakes for they always tasted better when Mammaw cut them!  

In her final years, Florence was blessed to have the support and love of several special caregivers. Valarie, Cookie, Eunice, Sylvia B., LaShanna, Sylvia G., Sabrina, Lavern, Ashley, Fiona, and Janice devoted their time and care to help her remain in the home she loved. Also, a very special thank you to our cousin, Kathy W. Mountjoy for her devotion and help with our mom.

A funeral service for Florence will be held at St. Luke’s Memorial Park in Smithfield at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 31^st, 2020. Proper face coverings and social distancing guidelines will be upheld. Friends and family are encouraged to share a special memory or remembrance of Florence’s life at www.littlesfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of Florence’s long supported institutions, Isle of Wight Academy, Trinity United Methodist Church, Isle of Wight Volunteer Rescue Squad, or the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, would be much appreciated.