ROCK HILL – Gwendolyn Witt Robinson, 84, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2014. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, Rock Hill, with family by her side.
Gwen was born December 15, 1929, in Lake City, Florida, the daughter of the late Wilbur Thompson Witt and Mattye Witt Matthews. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Rock Hill. Gwen graduated from Newberry College, SC, where she met her future husband while standing side by side in the front row of the Newberry College Singers. Surviving is her husband of 61 years, the Reverend David Timothy Robinson of Rock Hill.
Gwen dedicated her life to the work of the Church and to teaching. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and an exemplary teacher at Church and school. Early in her career as an elementary school teacher, Gwen raised three daughters and supported her husband while he attended Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary. She taught in several elementary schools where her husband’s ministry took the family in Central Pennsylvania. Later in her career, she was offered the opportunity to teach at the Stayer Lab School, Millersville College, PA. It was during those seven years that she embraced teaching and learning outside of four walls. It was a highlight of her career.
When the grandchildren came along, Gwen and Tim made the decision to move to SC to be closer to their family. All three daughters settled in SC. Because of Gwen’s educational experiences, she was asked to begin a gifted and talented program in York School District One which she loved. When Tim retired from the ministry, they moved to Calabash, NC. Until retirement, her last few years of teaching were in the Myrtle Beach area.
Gwen loved the Lord and treasured her family. Her kind, gentle spirit was given lovingly to everyone who knew her. She was truly an angel here on earth. Gwen is survived by her three daughters, Mary Walker (Bill) of Columbia; Lynn Liebenrood (George) of Latta; Martha Stephenson (Art) of Hickory Grove; her five grandchildren, Dr. Ben Walker (Jennifer) of Raleigh, NC; Drew Liebenrood (Stephanie) of Greer; Megan Hoyt (Michael) of Fort Mill; Lindsay Coppney of Lexington; Nick Liebenrood (fiancé Sarah) of Greenville; eight great-grandchildren, Alexander Walker; Harrison, Jacob and Jaclyn Liebenrood; Lauren and Alex Hoyt; and Emily and Walker Coppney. Gwen was preceded in death by her brothers, Burris Witt and Bub Witt, along with her sister, Juanita Ellis.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Emeritus at Spring Arbor and the Memory Care Cottage, Rock Hill, for the loving care given to Gwen over the last two years and to the staff of the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House for their loving care during Gwen’s brief stay there.
A memorial service celebrating Gwen’s life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, 426 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Christine Stoxen officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Endowment Fund, 426 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC, 29730 and the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, 2275 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732.
Greene Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732 is in charge of arrangements. (803) 326-2051.
