Ethel Currie Robinson

HENDERSON-Ethel Currie Smith Robinson, 97, died peacefully on March 2, 2023, at Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Henderson. Born March 21, 1925, in Warren County, NC, she was the daughter of John Hays Currie and Estelle McCurry Currie. Ethel grew up with seven brothers and sisters, living first in Manson, then Drewry, and then Norlina. She graduated from Norlina High School in 1941. She returned to school for a one-year post-graduate business course the following year. During the war years, Ethel was a switchboard operator at the military base in Hampton-Roads, VA. After the war, she moved to Henderson, North Carolina, and worked at Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company, where she remained until the local office closed. In October 1950, Ethel married Robert Eugene Smith. They had one daughter, Phyllis, and later divorced. In June 1985, Ethel married Horace M. Robinson. Throughout her adult life, Ethel was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a long-time member of the Fellowship Sunday School class and active in United Methodist Women. She served the church in many capacities, including helping with the church nursery, starting a Brownie Scout Troop, being a choir mother, and making Chrismons. Known for her excellent cakes and peanut butter fudge, Ethel contributed to the church bazaar each year. She was known to give cakes as thank-you gifts to anyone who crossed her path. She loved the Henderson community and frequently volunteered at various events around town. Ethel was commended for volunteering nearly 1,000 hours at the Maria Parham Hospital switchboard. In later years, Ethel learned to use a computer, which she called her roommate. With it, she made beautiful, specialized greeting cards and loved to send them to family and friends. Other favorite activities included shopping, talking on the phone, and frequent coffee talks with her dearest friends, Marie Daeke and Isabel Raynor. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church by Rev. George Loveland. Burial will follow in Warrendale Cemetery in Norlina. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 1:00pm until 2:00 in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and Thursday, March 9, 2023 and Friday March 10, 2023 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at the home of her daughter Phyllis Castelli, 226 Bellwood Dr. Henderson NC. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Smith Castelli (Vince), two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, and one cousin, Larry G. McCurry, of Atlanta. Ethel loved her family members and stayed closely connected with each one throughout her life. The family wishes to sincerely express heartfelt, bountiful gratitude to Nancy Hughes and the Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center staff for Ethel’s many years of tender, loving care and for the ongoing support of Phyllis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Good Neighbor Fund of First United Methodist Church, 114 Church St. Henderson, NC 27536 or the Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society 165 US Hwy 158 Bypass Henderson, NC 27537. Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.