Patricia Ames Custis Ashby Robinson

Patricia Ames Custis Ashby Robinson, 86, died on April 17, 2021. Born in Shields, VA, she enjoyed her early years on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She attended Central High School in Painter, just outside Accomack County. Raised in Belle Haven, VA, she had been a Newport News resident since 1962. She met the love of her life, Willard, during her senior year at Longwood College. She laughingly told stories of how her father was shocked that she was going to work as a teacher while putting her husband through law school and how he fell for her because she could type his papers for him. It was a match made in heaven.

Patricia and Willard married in 1958, at which time they moved to Richmond, where Willard attended the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond, and Patricia taught elementary school at the Glen Allen School of Richmond. In 1962, Willard was hired as the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney of Newport News, VA. She was his biggest supporter as he became Commonwealth's Attorney and eventually retired and engaged in the private practice of law. Willard often said that they made a great team. Patricia was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds at the James River Country Club. She was a member of the Newport News Bar Auxiliary, the James Landing Garden Club, and the Red Hat Society. She valued many friendships that she made along the way, especially with the members of the Woman's Club of Hilton Village. She was a member of this charitable organization for over 50 years, and she was president for two of those years. She particularly enjoyed working with the Wounded Warriors and the International Seamen's Friend House. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends, playing Bridge and Scrabble, listening to Elvis, spoiling her family and friends with delicious meals, and walking for exercise. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She cherished her family.

Patricia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Willard Montellous Robinson, Jr.; her mother, Helen Lolita Ames Ashby; her father, Thomas Pettit Ashby; her brother, Thomas Pettit Asbhy, Jr. (Rebecca) and niece, Jennifer Ashby. She is survived by two children, Willard Montellous "Monte" Robinson, III and his wife, Teresa, and Melissa Robinson Link and her husband, Michael; four grandchildren, Emma Leigh (Elizabeth), Willard "Will" M. IV, Michael Joseph "Joey", Jr., and Megan Ashby; her sister, Clara Ann James; sister-in-law, Betty Mae Robinson Williams (Del) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of Patricia's family and friends who have reached out to her and to the family. The family would particularly like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at the Mennowood Retirement Community, Grace Hospice, and to all of her long-time caregivers.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 12 Noon on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Weymouth Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. Masks and social distancing will be required. Seating is limited. The service will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Arc of the Eastern Shore, 3462 Main St, Exmore, VA 23350, The Mennowood Foundation, 13030 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23602, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.