Jacquelyn Espenlaub Robey

A Celebration of Jackie’s Life will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Dunbar Funeral Home located at 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

A native of Evansville, Indiana, Jackie was born on December 5, 1935, and raised as an only child to Ione and Clarence Espenlaub. Jackie was a wonderful, tireless and loving mother who sculpted the very best of herself into her five children. She devoted her life to her family and to those in the special needs community. She was an active volunteer to Meals on Wheels, The Babcock Center and The Arc often editing and assisting with the publication and distribution of newsletters. Her life with husband James “Jim” Robey was a nomadic one and resulted in living in 12 different cities and 21 homes over 61 years. Jackie and Jim finally settled in Columbia, S.C. in 1980 and never moved again. In her spare time (which was spare) Jackie enjoyed working in her flower garden and traveling abroad and across the country with Jim.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, James Belford Robey (2015), eldest son, Eric Lawrence Robey (2012), and grandson, Jamie Jacobs (2015).

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, David L. Robey and his wife, Terri of West Columbia, Phillip L. Robey and his wife, Angie of Greenville, S.C., Teresa M. Robey of Columbia, S.C., and John L. Robey and his wife, Sue of Carlsbad, CA. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Heath Jacobs, Jenny Kronner, James B. Robey III, Jacquelyn A. Hehir, David Robey II and Shauna P. Robey. Great-grandchildren include Reese, Kylie, Will, Madelyn, Michaela, Mya, Belford, Addison, Molly, Ally, Meredith, Noah and Henry. Other survivors include Renee Robey (wife of Eric) and Heather Jacobs Davis (wife of Jamie).

The family wishes to express its special gratitude to Ms. Barbara Stroman who was Jackie’s caregiver and whom Jackie often referred to as the sister she never had. In addition, the family also thanks Jackie’s many neighbors and friends at Carriage Hill who never hesitated to lend a helping hand over the past few years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Hope Food Bank, Meals on Wheels or friends of Harbison State Forest.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.