WILMINGTON — Linell “Nell” Gibson Robinson, 105 years young, made her way back to “the Heavenly Father’s House” after a long and full life on Thursday, February 5th, 2026.
Nell was born August 13, 1920 to Will Harris and Josephine Gibson of Gibson, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, 9 siblings, husband Melvin Robinson Jr., and son-in-law John W. Hobbs.
Nell is survived by her daughter, Betty Jo Robinson Hobbs. Grandchildren: John Hobbs (Amy), Joell Morris (Clyn) and Scott Hobbs (Lisa). Great-grandchildren: Jordan Hobbs Walsh (Eric), Jonathan Hobbs, Nathan Hobbs, Jacob Morris, Emma Morris Lindsey (David), Victoria Hobbs Pilopovich (Victor), Joseph Hobbs, and Olivia Hobbs. Great-great-grandchildren: Ella Walsh, Ava Walsh, Whitfield Walsh, and Adalia Lindsey, who will soon join her legacy of family. She is also survived by her nephews Gene Gibson and Willie Gibson and nieces Sherri Gibson Weitnauer, Terri Gibson Huffstetler, and Kathy Robinson Miller.
Born in 1920, Nell grew up in the aftermath of World War I, the beginning of Prohibition, and the era when cars, movies, and electric appliances became part of everyday life. The same month she was born, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting women the right to vote. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II (in which her husband Melvin served), the Korean War, the space race, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the digital age. In her lifetime she witnessed 18 different U.S. presidents.
Married in 1941, Melvin and Nell spent 50 loving years together. Their beloved daughter, Betty Jo, was born November 22, 1941. Following Melvin’s service in the war, they moved to Wilmington, NC, and in 1954 bought their forever home there.
Not only was Nell a wonderful and loving wife and mother, she was a homemaker in the truest sense, with a gift for sewing and an amazing ability to cook. Her pound cake recipe is legendary within the family. She had a tremendous sweet tooth and made sure to have dessert after every meal, even breakfast. She loved having the family around and being right in the center of them.
While the seasons of life led the family to various places throughout the years, Grandma Nell’s house always remained a central and constant anchor. Many holidays and visits have been spent with the entire family squeezed together in her home, eating, laughing, and watching the children play. It has been a gift to the entire family to have a lifetime of memories with her there. She was a faithful member of Cape Fear Presbyterian for the better part of 30 years. She loved the people there, had many friends, and was deeply loved in return.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Maranatha Ministries Unlimited for the continuing work of spreading the Good News of Jesus (PO Box 7003 Wilmington, NC 28406.)
