Catherine Robison

Catherine Robison, lovingly known as “Mama Dear”, age 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully in her home on November 5, 2025. She was born July 31, 1947, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Leon Davis and Ruby Williams Davis.

Catherine graduated from Gosnell High School in 1965 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Arkansas University after years of working and taking college courses part-time. She spent 28 years teaching math and science in the 4th and 5th grades for the Magnolia Public School District. But you better not make the mistake of saying she worked for 28 years, because she was quick to remind you that she had been working since she was 14 so she had actually worked more like 40 years. She was an exceptionally dedicated teacher, strict but fair. She was the teacher most kids probably hoped they did not get before the year started, but the one they ended up loving by October. She worked nights to get assignments graded and lessons planned, tutored after school to ensure students understood the material, and prepped throughout the summers to make sure her classroom was set up exactly the way she wanted it. She often had former students tell her that she was a major influence in their lives—that she pushed them, believed in them, and changed the way they thought about themselves and learning.

Catherine was in the 9th grade when she caught the eye of a new “base kid” named Robby whose dad had just been transferred to Gosnell Airforce Base. He saw her walking down the hall in her purple pedal pushers and that was it for him: love at first sight. Not so much for her, but, luckily, he won her over quickly and they have been together ever since. Married for almost 60 years, they have shared a wonderful life together, building their teaching careers, raising 2 children, traveling all over the country, and spoiling their grandkids.

Catherine’s greatest joy was her family, and she was extremely proud of her seven grandchildren: Ryan, Katie, Callie, Reid and Hayes Robison and Chloe and Edie Fowler. She loved nothing more than cooking breakfast for all of them (including scrambled eggs, bacon and Mickey Mouse pancakes every single time) and slipping them “a little shopping money” when they visited.

Catherine was the fifth of eight children, and she is preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Ruby Davis; brothers, Henry “Hank” Davis (Elaine) and Gary Davis (Terry); and sisters, Patricia “Patty” Winfree and Rebecca Davis.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Henry W. Robison; son, Patrick Robison (Ann); daughter Lindsay Fowler (Joe); brothers, Leon “Dave” Davis, Jr. (Margie) and Stephen “Steve” Davis (Norma); and sister, Jenny Valek (Bob); as well as many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their “Aunt Cat”.

The family wants to extend a special thank you to Catherine’s caretakers--Judith Long, Shayral Henry, Jerrica Stone. Leeta Ellis and Brenda Wheeler--for their love, gentleness and devotion. They made her last years as comfortable and as dignified as possible, and the family is forever grateful to you. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice for the comfort and guidance they provided through this very difficult process.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Arkansas Hospice.

To celebrate Catherine’s life, funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 HWY 107, Sherwood Arkansas 72120. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Rd, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120.