Barbara Y. Robertson, also warmly referred to as “Bobbi” by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends of the family who met her later in her life, passed on to heaven on June 27, 2021, at the age of 84, surrounded by the love and adoration of her family. Even though Barbara left this world to begin a new journey, her feisty and loving spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and those closest to her.

Barbara is predeceased by her father and mother, Walter T. Cherry and Hilda Mae Cherry; two sisters, Kitty Diane Ferguson and Cynthia Carson; a child, Patrick Allen, and a grandson, Timothy John “TJ” Conrad, all, of whom we are sure, met her with love and joy to accompany Barbara on her new journey.

Barbara is survived by her three children; Michael J. Allen, Mikki L. Wray and Shannon D. Lemm; a daughter in law whom she loved,  Renee Allen; seven grandchildren; Amanda Meland, Bryan Allen, Kyle Allen, Alexandra “Alex” Gusty, Shannon “Taylor” Stannard, Austin Wray, and Isabella Lemm ( who likes to refer to herself as Isabella Cherry in honor of her grandmother); spouses to Barbara’s grandchildren, whom she also loved dearly; Erik Meland, Nicole Allen, Holly Conrad, Matt Gusty, and Alan Stannard; ten great-grandchildren, Aidan Meland, Skylar Meland, Hunter Meland, Landon Meland, Lexi Allen, Payton Allen, Sadie Allen, Bristol Allen,  Bentley Conrad, June Gusty and a baby Gusty on the way. Barbara is also survived by her niece, Kimberly Ferguson Mills, and her two daughters, along with four great nieces; and her nephew, Kenny Ferguson, and two great nephews. She also left behind her beloved dog, Elvis.

Barbara was a native of Eastern North Carolina, but moved to Hampton VA during her senior year of High School. She worked as a Civil Service Employee for approximately 34 years, where she made many lifelong friends.

Most people who knew Barbara, also knew that that she was a Cherry girl. Cherry girls are vivacious, independent, and strong women. Barbara made sure that each young woman in her family possessed these traits.

Barbara had a flair for writing and loved a good book, preferably on the beach with a wine cooler and surrounded by her family.

Barbara was an excellent cook, and took great pleasure in having her family gather in her home to enjoy her delicious meals, especially her chicken casserole.

One would say the love of her life was Elvis Presly. She listened to him sing during the last week of her life.

She was a fiery red head, full of life, love, resilience, and a devoted mother and grandmother. Her prized gifts were each of her family members. Barbara always had a way of making each one of her family members feel special, loved, and the “favorite,” whether by making their favorite meals, being the first to call on a birthday, or simply being a confidant. However, the truth be told, Barbara never kept any secrets. She created lasting family traditions, which her family continues and will continue; family summer vacations in the Outer Banks, momentous Christmas celebrations, yearly spring break and summer vacation plans with her grandchildren, which ultimately ended with “I am never doing this again,” and birthday parties for her family.  Barbara taught her family to be fiercely loyal to one another. The bond Barbara’s family share with one another is unbreakable because of her love.

Barbara’s radiant spirit will forever be with her family, and she will be forever missed.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with arrangements.