Robbie Gurganus

NORTHPORT, AL - Robbie Sue Hester Gurganus, age 80, transitioned peacefully after a brief illness to her heavenly home on November 14, 2021 at Hospice of West Alabama surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bedford and Susie Hester; her husband of 59 years, James Milton Gurganus; son, Randy Gurganus; sister, Rose Perkins; and brother, Ted Hester.

Survivors include her sons; Mark Gurganus (Dana), Phillip Gurganus (Robin), David Gurganus (Katharine); grandchildren; Heath Gurganus (Jordan), Kevin Gurganus (Stacy), Meagan Gurganus, Brandon Gurganus (Ria), Jessica Gurganus, Taylor Gurganus (fiancée Peyton Allen), Hannah Gurganus, and Aaron Reed; and two great-grandchildren; Oliver and Bethany.

Robbie was born on March 2, 1941 in Crossville, Alabama. She later moved with her parents to Tuscaloosa where she graduated from Holt High School in the Class of 1958. She began her post-secondary education and career at Druid City Hospital as an X-ray Technician before later becoming a full-time homemaker after marrying her sweetheart Milton Gurganus in March of 1960. She selflessly served as a caregiver for her parents and various other family members for many years. The love she had for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was exemplified in her compassion, hospitality, and acts of service in her church and community as she put the needs of others before her own. As the writer of Proverbs 31 states: “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Her greatest joy was spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Her love of music became an early part of her life as she sang in the church choir for many years, as well as played the piano and organ both at church and in her home. She also had a special love for flowers as she was often found pruning and planting new flowers in her gardens at home.

Robbie will be laid to rest during a graveside service on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Carolwood Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Northport, Alabama with Bro. Jim Perkins and Bro. Jimmy Holliman officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing.

Pallbearers will be Mike Lee, Mike Beams, Aaron Reed, Kevin Gurganus, Brandon Gurganus, and Taylor Gurganus. Honorary pallbearers will be Ms. Nona Miles, Ms. Kathleen Watson along with members of Carolwood Free Will Baptist church.

The family would also like to extend our special thanks and appreciation to caregivers, Margaret Corlew and Sherie White, for their dedication and service in caring for our Mother. We also express our sincere gratitude to Home Instead Senior Care, the entire staff at Hospice of West Alabama, Dr. Leonard Jones, Dr. Arturo Otero, and Dr. Aleksandr Chernyy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Carolwood Free Will Baptist Cemetery fund or to Hospice of West Alabama.