Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 2, 2023

Theo Couchell Robinson, born October 16, 1938, passed away July 2, 2023, following a graceful and brave battle with dementia.

Theo was a Charlotte native born to George and Peggy Couchell. As a child, she attended Elizabeth Elementary School and Central High School. Her mother was a native North Carolinian, and her father came to the United States from Greece and proudly served his new country during World War I.

Theo married William G. “Bill” Robinson, while he was in law school at Chapel Hill. She worked as a bank teller and was voted the “ideal student wife” and rode in a parade with Hollywood star, Richard Chamberlain.

She was a proud and faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Theo raised her family in the Church and, throughout her adult life, found great joy in Covenant’s Naomi Circle where she found lifelong friends.

Theo imagined. She was a free-thinker, volunteer, and advocate. She worked tirelessly as a Dilworth neighborhood activist. She lobbied the City to spare the oak trees that still, to this day, beautifully align Morehead Street. She convinced Dilworth School to nominate girls as school safety patrols. Governor Holshouser appointed her to serve on state Boards and she served with a belief that her work could help enrich her fellow citizens’ lives. Theo ran state-wide political campaigns and rode in the Presidential motorcade. She cared little about political power; rather, she used her influence to advocate for mental health and alcohol and drug abuse services for women.

Theo served. As the Executive Director of Adult Care and Share, she lead its fundraising to privately build a safe and caring facility that served as Charlotte’s first adult daycare for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Theo believed that love and stimulation, along with dignity, were critical in everyone’s lives including those with diminished mental function.

Theo volunteered. For decades she represented neighborhoods as an election poll worker and helped tally votes at the Board of Elections. She championed civil rights for all—even when it was not popular cause–and welcomed and loved everyone regardless of age, sex, race, wealth, or education.

Theo danced. She taught Rumba, Swing, Greek, Ballroom, and especially Shag and her beloved Disco. She taught classes at Church, to professors and students at UNCC, and at Jubilees and parties. She gardened and resurrected plants and adopted stray cats. With Theo, anyone and anything were welcome and could be nourished.

Theo is survived by her children, William C. “Shel” Robinson and his wife Stacy, and Randolph G. “Randy” Robinson and his wife Dr. Wanda Robinson, all of Charlotte; and Shel and Randy’s respective children, Shel, Jr., Braxton, Charlie, and Abby. She loved her children and grandchildren, and they will fondly remember her for going with them to plays, games and cookouts. She loved to bake cookies with her grandchildren, show them her plants, and listen to their ideas. Theo loved unconditionally and without judgment—a truly rare trait.

A memorial service celebrating Theo’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 24, 2023 at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the Welcome Center following the service.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.