Obituary - Robin Winston Atkins

Robin Winston Atkins, a gracious woman of faith with a servant’s heart, passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on January 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Stuart Winston, and is survived by her husband of 43 years, James Randall; their children, Meghan, Drew, and Rachel; her mother, Helen Winston; her brother, James; her sister, Donna; and a host of extended family.

A native of Richmond, Robin attended several Henrico County schools including Dumbarton Elementary and Brookland Middle. She graduated as valedictorian from Hermitage High School in 1975. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Westhampton College at the University of Richmond and her Master's degree from Virginia Tech..

Following graduation, Robin began working at Virginia Natural Gas (a part of VEPCO, now Dominion Resources). She moved into long-term forecasting, creating statistical models and analysis for executive leadership. Robin also spent several years working at SMRBC’s Child Development Center before staying home to be with her three children until they were all busy at school.

Robin was a faithful servant of Staples Mill Road Baptist Church, both as a member for more than 40 years and as the church secretary for 28 years. Robin was known for her unwavering kindness and ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Over the years, she participated in many small-group Bible studies, and immensely enjoyed the relationships built in her women’s discipleship groups. She found great joy working in the Children’s Ministry, singing in the choir, and conversing with the many office visitors throughout the week. There wasn’t a person she wasn’t willing to help.

Robin also served her family well, always putting their needs and desires before her own. She loved traveling with Randall, often to VMI football games where she became the participation aficionado, but also to well-hidden bed & breakfast getaways. She also attended many softball games over the years as Randall played for the church and Virginia Power teams. Her greatest surprise was a Gorilla-gram presentation on Randall’s 30th birthday during a game. Prior to children, she joined Randall in the company bowling league, where her average actually improved during her pregnancy. As one of their biggest cheerleaders, Robin attended every dance recital, sporting event, and school function the kids put on the calendar, both when they were young and in their adult lives. She loved being with and talking about her family!

Robin's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Family and friends will be received at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road, on January 9, 2025, from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Staples Mill Road Baptist Church on January 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. Interment will take place at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, on January 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to SMRBC’s Children’s Ministry.