Lynn “Robyn” Robinson Mcgee Raby
Robyn was welcomed into Jesus’ open arms with “well done good and faithful servant” on Friday, March 8th, 2024. She was 54 years old. She was born on February 2nd, 1970, in Memphis to Charles H. Mcgee and Lynn Williams Mcgee. Robyn’s early years were spent on the family farm in Bruins, Arkansas. The family permanently moved to Memphis, Tennessee after the death of her father, Charlie, when Robyn was only 4 years old. She grew up surrounded by many fashionable women including her mother, Lynn, grandmother, Gaga, and many aunts, cousins and godmothers. She loved all things fashion, especially shoes and lots of jewelry! She could name any plant in the garden and arrange flowers like a pro. Robyn loved a good party and never wanted to leave, much to the chagrin of her husband, Van, who wanted to be in bed by 9. She took up tennis in her 30’s and loved it and all the friends she made while she played. Robyn was passionate about all things Crimson Tide and never missed a game during the football season, which was always a major family event at the Raby house. Even with the kids that didn’t go to Alabama, Robyn’s enthusiasm rubbed off on them until they couldn’t help yelling “Roll Tide!” with every touchdown scored. Robyn graduated from Hutchison School and was a member of the 12 year club, class vice president in the French club, on the Signpost staff and always heavily involved in spirit week. She later became president of the Alumnae Association.
After Hutchison, Robyn attended the University of Alabama, where she joined the Kappa Delta sorority. She went on to complete her degree at the University of Memphis. Robyn came from a long line of carnival royalty and became a Memphis Carnival princess herself in 1988 and Queen of Osiris in 1990, following in the footsteps of her mother and several cousins. She was a member of the Memphis Country Club, Grandview Garden Club, Osiris, and Second Presbyterian Church. Robyn was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother John Mcgee.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of 29 years Richard Van Raby, daughters; Brinkley, Genevieve, and Neely Raby, Frazier Jordan (Ryan) and Cecil Mcgee; her brother Charles Mcgee Jr. and his wife Carole, their children Charles and Will Mcgee. She is also survived by her motherin-law Barbara Raby. Additionally, her cousin Muffy Turley, who was more like a sister and her family – Cousin Edie Marshall and Jim Marshall, Cousin Mimi Robinson and her family; Sister-in-law Connie Costello (Bill) and Dr. Victor Raby (Joann); nieces Lauren Sakalarios (Andrew), Anne Fulper (Jody) and all of their children.
Robyn dearly loved her friends, and they loved her. Debbie Williams, Pam Shumake, Kim Battaile, Michelle Mallory, cousin Muffy and sister-in-law Connie Costello made her final days as comfortable as possible and continue to wrap their arms around her family as they mourn her passing but celebrate her wonderful life. She will be missed by many, but no one will miss her more than Van and the girls. Robyn, we love you.
A memorial for Robyn will be held at Second Presbyterian Church Monday, March 18th at 10:00 am. Visitation in the connector will immediately follow from 11:00-12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Boll Weevil Charity Foundation, Second Presbyterian Caring Ministry, or a charity of your choice in honor of Robyn’s memory.