Robin Lavonda Gillespie, 71, of Dunbar, WV, departed this life on March 05, 2026. Known affectionately as "Mawmaw Robin," she was a woman of deep faith, immense spirit, and a legendary streak of fierce independence.
A dedicated homemaker, Robin's life was defined by her determination. After raising her family, she proved it is never too late for a new chapter by returning to school in her 50s to earn her GED—an achievement that stood as a proud testament to her sharp mind and her "never-give-up" attitude.
Robin was a woman of strong conviction who was always unapologetically herself. She possessed a powerful sense of justice and never let anyone cross her; she was feisty, firm, and always stood her ground. Yet, that toughness melted away at her kitchen table. One of her favorite things in the world was to sit with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, talking for hours with friends, family, or even a stranger who happened by. Those table-talks covered everything—life, God, and her fierce love for her grandchildren.
Her grandchildren were the center of her world. She was the true "Life of the Party," famous for cranking the music up to full blast for mandatory house-cleaning dance parties. She was an avid gamer who could be found huddled over a Nintendo 64 with her grandkids, and a "Sci-Fi Queen" with a massive stack of scary movies on replay. Robin also loved playing cards, specifically Canasta and Rummy, often hosting dedicated late-night game sessions with her sister, Janet and great nephew Zach and other friends.
A skilled quilter and the keeper of a secret chili recipe, Robin also lived for Christmas, obsessively decorating her home for every season. Above all, Robin was a woman of God. A true prayer warrior, she spent her days covered in Bible verses, ensuring every child and grandchild knew they were being covered in her prayers until the very end.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert F. Duncan and Mary Duncan; her son, William J. "BJ" Tolley; her oldest grandson, Caleb M. White; and her granddaughter, Kristiana Leigh Taylor.
She is survived by her daughters, Crystal D. Ashcraft (Adam) and Tammy L. Parrish (Timothy). Her legacy of faith and fire lives on through her beloved grandchildren: Savannah D. Wheeler (George), Cameron Z. Parrish, Devin L. Parrish, Kendra N. Tolley, Chance D. Tolley, Leevi C. Tolley, Mason Tolley, and Logan H. Tolley. She was the proud great-grandmother of Ella L. F. Wheeler and Phoebe R. Wheeler. She is also survived by her brothers, Frank Duncan (Linda) and Gary Duncan (Theresa); and her sister, Janet Shaffer.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Cunningham Parker Johnson Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cpjfuneralhome.com