Shirley Mae Robbins

How do you put into words someone who was, quite literally, so many people’s favorite human? I suppose the “official” obituary would read: Shirley Mae Auxilien Robbins, born March 16, 1935, entered her eternal home on June 9, 2026. But to let those be the final words of a life so beautifully lived would be an injustice.

Shirley was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Albert and Lucille Auxilien. She was the youngest of six children, and if you asked her oldest sister, Marie, Shirley was the most beautiful baby ever born and could do no wrong. We tend to agree, although we suspect this may also have been where her playful mischievousness began.

On July 2, 1953, Shirley married Harold Robbins, the love of her life. Together they raised four amazing children (her word), while making homes on Air Force bases around the world. After Harold’s retirement from military service, they settled in Columbia and made it their home.

Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She taught them every card game and board game she knew, the songs and dances she grew up with, and, of course, how to cook. Oh, how she could cook.

There was only one problem with learning to cook from Shirley. Whenever someone asked how much of an ingredient was needed, her answer was always the same: “Sugar, I don’t measure, I pour.”

That simple statement perfectly described the way she lived her life. Shirley did nothing in measured amounts—she poured. She poured herself into serving her family, her church, her friends, her community, and even complete strangers. She held nothing back as she faithfully lived as the hands and feet of Christ.

On June 9, 2026, Shirley ran into the arms of Jesus Christ, where we know she heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” There, she was reunited with the love of her life, Harold; her beautiful granddaughter, Ava Baughman; her baby granddaughter, Emmalee Arnett; her son-in-law, James Singley; her parents; her brothers and sisters; and many dear friends who had gone before her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Judy Singley; Raymond and Rosemary Robbins; Wanda and Jimmy Bennett; and Perry and Bonnie Robbins. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Though her family grieves this tremendous loss, they rejoice knowing that Shirley is exactly where she longed to be—with her Savior, whole and healed, and surrounded by those she loved.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Shirley Mae Robbins, 91 of Columbia, who passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2025. Interment will be at Clear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Lumberton. Bro. Perry Robbins and Bro. Mitchell Robbins will officiate the services. The Robbins family will receive guests on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm up until the hour of service at 2:30 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home.