The chairman's seat was empty at Sunday night's monthly meeting of Taylorsville's First United Methodist Church's finance committee.
Robin Rockett Bowen of Taylorsville died Dec. 24, when she was struck by a car on an early morning run with friends.
She was 44, a Burke County native, audit director for PRG/Schultz and chairman of the church finance committee.
"She was there in spirit," said fellow church member Vickie McCoy, who had known Robin for 15 years. "The 2010 budget results, noting receipts exceeded those pledged, surely made Robin smile."
Robin and members of the Apple City Road Crew were running on N.C. 90 near Millersville Road when a driver struck them.
The sun was just peeping over the horizon at 6:40 a.m., and runners were wearing reflective clothing and blinking lights.
Robin had urged her minister, Josh Sherfey and his physician wife, Shannon, to run, and both were with her that morning.
CPR attempts were futile. Fellow runner Dawn Yount was hospitalized, and the driver was charged with DWI.
And so, on Christmas Eve morning, the most heartbreaking day for a mother of three to die, Robin completed her earthly journey.
Through her generosity as an organ donor, someone else will be able to see another Christmas.
Career led to romance
Robin, daughter of Betty and the late Clyde Rockett, was a graduate of East Burke High School and earned an accounting degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 1989.
It was only natural for her to use that financial knowledge to benefit her church.
"Robin didn't do anything halfway, whether it was running or for the church," Josh Sherfey said. "She was a gift to the church."
Her career choice also led her to her partner-for-life, Robert "Bob" Bowen, when both CPAs attended an advanced education class in Raleigh in 1989.
"When she walked in the door, I thought, 'She's the one I'd like to pal around with,'" Bob said. "I lived in Greenville, N.C., so we had a long-distance romance for about a year. We vacationed in Cozumel, Mexico, and I got her involved in scuba diving."
They married in 1991 and welcomed sons Corey, now 15, Ridge, 11, and daughter Savanna, who is 8.
Robin enjoyed athletics and had been a basketball player in high school and college. "
She enjoyed running half-marathons and was training for a triathlon this summer," Bob said. "She bought a speed bike, and I was her swim coach, since I'd been a lifeguard for 14 years."
Robin coached recreational basketball in Alexander County and was a dedicated Carolina Panthers fan who rarely missed a home game.
The fact that she would get up and go outside on a cold and barely light morning says much about her passion for running and her fellow runners.
To honor Robin, there will be a 5K run from 9 a.m. to noon April 2. Sponsors are, of course, Taylorsville's Apple City Road Crew and First United Methodist Church. For more information, go to www.fumct.com/robinsrun.
Proceeds will be divided between church missions and its athletics programs. We're sure that Robin would have it no other way.
And so if it seems extra bright on April 2, it just might be Robin's big, broad smile helping out the sun a little.
April Hollowell (Traxler)
Robin,
I was so blessed this year to be part of the class reunion committee. I was allowed to be a part of what I could never do while I was in school. You made me feel like one of the team and always shared a laugh to keep us going. Planning future class reunions will be hard without you there. God definately blessed us with your presence, kindness and love. You made such an impact on people even with one meeting. I would not trade the memories I have made during this last year. To be part of such a wonderful class has been one of the richest things I treasure. May you keep smiling and having fun until we get there. You will always be missed. April
Jackie Tipton (Figueroa)
I didn't really know her that well in school but I do remeber us passing each other we would say Hi to each other she was a very sweet person and its said her life ended so sudden I don't know how she passed away but either way its sad, I will pray for her husband and kids they will really miss her.
Denise Davis (Clay)
I have struggled to be able to write something. The best way I can do this is to a letter to Robin. I hope you all don’t mind.
Robin,
The reality is slowly starting to set in, yet it is still so unreal. I’ll be talking to someone and I’ll just say your name as always; just like you will be there or we need to talk to you about it.
You were more than a friend. More than just a classmate. More than a teammate. You were my cousin, the person I got in trouble with at our houses and at our Grandparents. But didn’t we have fun!
Oh the fun we had outside at their house running to go see the train, playing football, climbing trees, swinging like Tarzan on the Willow tree and of course getting into mischief with Grandpa. And I can still taste Grandmother’s famous special cheeseburgers and sweet tea we always ate under the shade trees. Don’t forget about eating more of Grandpa’s grapes than we actually picked for him.
Then there was the time that we talked our cousin Clay to let us help him with that loose tooth he had. Remember we tied a string to his tooth and then to the doorknob. I held him and you slammed the door as hard as you could. I still think we could have gotten it on the third try.
I will also never forget the night your dad let you drive us home after a basketball game. You had just gotten your driver’s permit. That was an interesting ride home.
My favorite Christmas memories are of all of us at our Grandparent’s house (how we all fit in there I still don’t know). Us kids at the kiddie table out on the porch. We would all swallow our food as fast as we can so we could get to go to Grandmother’s dessert table and open gifts. You had better save me some of her desserts up in heaven.
As we grew older I enjoyed our talks, laughs (always loved your “special” laugh and you know the one I mean), the food you would bring and of course just spending time with you. Don’t worry about your mom. You know Aunt Betty has always been like a second mother to me and I will do anything for her. Same for Kathy, Eric, Bob and the kids. Our families have always had that special bond.
After reading all of the condolences posted online, seeing around 800 people come to your receiving and then not a seat available for your service; I have never been more proud of the fine person you have become. I don’t understand why you are gone and I don’t like it, but I accept and know that it is the Lord’s plan and that you have completed your task here on Earth. And from what I have seen, it appears you did a dang good, no great job of it.
Well I guess cuz it is time to say goodbye. I know the laughs and tears are not over and the pain is not gone. I also know I will see you soon and I can only imagine the smile you have on your face now.
Love you,
Denise
Penny Williams (Eudy)
It is with a sad heart I write this. Last night a TON of 1985 East Burke High graduates filed through a line of grief to pay tribute to our friend Robin. Her family stood there with all of the grace, pride, strength and love they had for her. It was truly an honor to have known Robin Rockett. We went kindergarten through 12th grade....and she never changed or missed a beat. Her spirit will live on.... no doubt. I am blessed to have known her...and will forever be changed by her sudden passing. And I'd like to add.....as a "drexel girl" who got a job away from home and moved to a different city....it is such a blessing to know I can always come home and be a part of a class who lifts each other up during times like these. We are all so fortunate.....in so many ways.....Rest in peace Robin...until we can meet again.....
Gina McIntosh (Bonham)
Robin, my friend, I don't know where I should start. Words are so hard to put down when we have lost one of our very own because of someone elses senseless choice that was made. I will always cherish the memories that we had as a friend, a classmate and especially a teammate. You have a great personally that no one else has. You are such a bubbly person. I pray that Bob and the kids will find peace and comfort in the days to come, and knowing that they will be with you again soon. Until we meet again on that peaceful golden shore, my friend, may you rest in peace and be happy evermore. Because your work here on earth is done!! Love you with all my heart!!!! Gina
Rodney Poteet
You can bet there will be a candle lit in my house every Christmas Eve, in honor of Robin Rockett Bowen. It's hard to lose the ones you grow up with. This one especially hard given the circumstance. God be with her loving husband and her three loving children. The Drexel crew nor the EB class of '85 will NEVER forget you!
Michael Schulenburg
I don't think I ever knew of anyone that didn't like Robin, I mean how could you not. I am sure she had several, several opponents that didn't like to compete with her. I remember when i moved to Drexel in the 8th grade she was one of the first that talked to me. I specifically remember sitting on the bleachers watching some kids play basketball and mentioned something about a pick and roll and she knew exactly what i was talking about. I was so impressed. I mean coming from Indiana I didn't figure anyone in NC would know what that was. It always seemed like we could talk about anything. When i was introduced to FaceBook she was one of the first people I went in search of. I couldn't find her but kept trying. Eventually we found each other, I was so glad to have reconnected. At the 25th reunion we had a chance to talk, met her husband and her great kids. As sad as this whole thing is I just cant help but think how lucky I was to have know her, to have seen her, Bob and the kids. To have once again seen the twinkle in her eyes and that laugh, that laugh. We will all miss Robin so much.
Anita Clay (Church)
I WAS SO SAD TO HEAR OF ROBIN'S PASSING. WE WEREN'T CLOSE FRIENDS IN SCHOOL, BUT STILL CONSIDERED HER A FRIEND. WE HAD A LOT OF CLASSES TOGETHER AND I CAN REMEMBER HOW PASSIONATE SHE WAS ABOUT HER GRADES AND SPORTS. I REMEMBER HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE...WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GIRL... I WILL MISS HER...
SINCERELY, ANITA CLAY CHURCH
Melina Woods
I'm another one of the "Drexel girls" who grew up with Robin and was lucky enough to play basketball and volleyball with her. What a competitor!!! Robin was such a great athlete!! We had a lot of fun on our bus trips to other schools for our games. I will miss that beautiful face and smile. Talk about a smile that lit up a room!! I'm so very glad that I got to see Robin and meet Bob at our Class Reunion activities. What a beautiful family she has. My prayers for Betty, Bob, the kids and the rest of Robin's family as they adjust to life without their precious Robin. My prayers that justice will be done in this senseless, tragic death of our beloved friend and classmate. Until we see each other again Robin, sing sweet, play to your hearts content and run those golden streets!!!
I love you,
Melina
Beth Murray (Hinshaw)
Robin...I have thought about you a great deal this weekend. We did the Polar Plunge in your memory yesterday to raise money for Special Olympics. I am sure you were laughing at us with your wonderful laugh and smile. Your PRECIOUS Family was there and Brave Corey and Savannah jumped with us while Ridge was the photographer! You did such a Fabulous Job with those children and of course my heart aches for Bob as he continues life's journey without you by his side. However, I know you are and always will be in his heart. ALSO...your spirit and determination lives on in your children as they so obviously have your passion. Savannah's face was so focused as she was trying to swim out of that cold water. My friend, you are gone to soon but you will continue to live in all of our hearts for a life time. Thank you for allowing us to connect with your family and I assure you they will live in our hearts as well.