Virginia Robertson Obituary

Virginia Carolyn Colter Robertson, 89, passed to her eternal reward on Jan. 30, 2026, from her home in Dowling Park, Fla. Virginia was born in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Aug. 19, 1936, and was the youngest daughter of the late Samuel Julian Colter, Sr. and Margaret Wallace Cantrell Colter. She moved with her family to Deland, Fla., in 1946, where she graduated from Deland High School in 1954. She briefly attended Montreat College in North Carolina before working as an operator for Bell Telephone in Deland.

The beloved wife of Herbert Spencer Robertson, Jr., Virginia met the love of her life on a blind date in 1955, commencing a romance that endured for more than 70 years. Together, "Ginger and Robbie" created countless cherished memories. Their robust partnership in every aspect of their lives together exemplified how love perseveres through unwavering commitment, even in the face of life's challenges. Their lives are a testament to the values of family, service and kindness.

As a homemaker in Deland and Jacksonville for over 20 years, Virginia was also an exceptionally skilled seamstress and tailor. She handcrafted much of the family wardrobe, including business suits and winter coats, and gifted countless items to friends. After raising their children, she and Robbie moved to New Smyrna Beach. For over two decades, they owned an independent insurance agency in Orange City. Virginia was a fully licensed agent in Life, Health and Casualty insurance. She was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International, having been recognized as someone who exemplified significant service above self in the life of her broader community.

In their retirement years, the couple built a home in Dowling Park, near Advent Christian Village, where Virginia worked in the Lodge office for many years. From this base, they traveled in their motor coach while pursuing their favorite pastime of "being alone together and doing nothing with each other." For six years, the couple volunteered during Memorial Day Weekends as campground hosts for the Florida Folk Music Festival. After a cross-country trip in 2010 to visit several National Parks, they preferred shorter forays nearer to home. They spent countless weeks only a few miles down the road in order to enjoy the sounds of nature and work on jigsaw puzzles.

Virginia always participated in the ministries of her churches, teaching Vacation Bible School, supporting her children in youth activities, and serving on committees. With the stalwart support of her husband, she lived out her calling to serve her Lord by becoming a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. She was also a facilitator for Disciple Bible Studies, first in New Smyrna Beach and later in Live Oak. For the past 25 years, Virginia was a member of First Methodist Church of Live Oak, bringing her welcoming smile to worship services and Bible study, and as a regular volunteer in their outreach ministries and service projects. Numerous lives have been touched by the warmth, quiet grace and incalculable blessings resulting from the fervent prayers of this genuine lady.

Virginia is survived by her devoted husband and their children, Carolyn Hildreth (Gary), Deborah Midkiff (Bill Doverspike), and Malcolm Robertson (Kim); her sister, Betty Denham, and brother, H. W. "John" Colter; three granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Herbert S. Robertson, III; her parents; her brother, S. J. Colter, Jr.; and her sister, Doris Cosimini.

A private interment was held in Bixler Memorial Garden, Dowling Park. There will be a Celebration of Life service held at First Methodist Church of Live Oak on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the Robertson family requests that donations in Virginia's memory be made to Advent Christian Village or First Methodist Church of Live Oak.

Advent Christian Village
P.O. Box 4305
Dowling Park, Fla. 32064

First Methodist Church of Live Oak
311 Ohio Ave. S.
Live Oak, Fla. 32064

Harris Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc., Live Oak, Fla., is in charge of all arrangements.