Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Please select what you would like included for printing:
Betty Lorraine
Robinson
June 1, 1924 – April 17, 2026
Harvard Avenue Christian Church
Starts at 1:30 pm (Central time)
Betty Lorraine Gregory Robinson was born on June 1, 1924, to Claude Clarence and Cora Myers Gregory. As their only child, she was the center of their world, surrounded by deep love and care throughout their lives. She grew up in Sandborn, Indiana, where her grandfather and father owned Gregory's Grocery. From a young age, Betty worked alongside her father in the store, witnessing firsthand the quiet generosity that would shape her life. During the Great Depression, her family often gave food to those in need, teaching Betty a lesson she carried with her always-that giving is one of life's greatest gifts. Her faith was nurtured at Sandborn Christian Church, where her family was devoted and active.
Betty graduated from Sandborn High School in 1942 and continued her education at business college in Vincennes, Indiana, completing her studies in 1943 during the uncertainty of World War II. While many of her friends were heading off to serve, Betty began building a life rooted in purpose and service, working as a secretary for Alliance Theater Corporation and later as a receptionist in the Department of Vital Statistics in Knox County.
On October 8, 1943, Betty's life changed forever when she met Homer Eugene Robinson at the Army Air Force Cadet Club in Vincennes. Homer-affectionately known as "Rob"-was training to be a twin-engine pilot. Their love story was swift but certain, and just four months later, on February 20, 1944, they were married. Together, they began a life of adventure, moving from Tennessee to California as Rob trained pilots during the war. Along the way, they built friendships that would last a lifetime-people who would always be part of "Rob's Crew."
After the war, Betty and Rob returned to Indiana, where they welcomed their first daughter, Pamela Dee, in October 1945. As Rob continued his education and began his career, Betty stood faithfully by his side, creating a home filled with warmth and love. Their journey eventually brought them to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where their second daughter, Stephanie Ann, was born in 1949. A few years later, in Fort Worth, Texas, their family was made complete with the arrival of their son, Guy Gregory Robinson, in 1956.
Wherever Betty went, she built community. In Fort Worth, she and Rob poured their hearts into University Christian Church, serving as high school counselors and mentoring young people with kindness and guidance. Betty's energy and compassion were evident in everything she did-from leading the Westcliff PTA as president to volunteering at John Peter Smith Hospital. She never hesitated to step in where she was needed, always giving her time and heart freely.
When the family returned to Tulsa in 1966, Betty continued to leave her mark in countless meaningful ways. She created the "Mothers Meet Teachers Coffee" at Salk Elementary, helping families feel connected and welcomed. As a Welcome Wagon representative, she greeted newcomers with warmth, making Tulsa feel like home to so many.
Perhaps one of Betty's most enduring legacies was her extraordinary dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis community. Beginning in 1967, she gave more than five decades of service-offering hope, advocacy, and unwavering support to families facing unimaginable challenges. She witnessed remarkable progress over the years, from a time when children rarely lived beyond early childhood to a future where many now reach adulthood. Betty never sought recognition, but her impact did not go unnoticed. She and Rob were honored with the Henry Zarrow Award in 1993, and Betty later received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. In 2025, she was deeply honored with the National Jenna Cassalina Award-a testament to a lifetime of selfless service given purely out of love for others.
Betty's love was often expressed in the simplest, most meaningful ways-like the bread she baked. Beginning in 1979, she and Rob shared over 1,000 loaves of sourdough bread with friends, family, and church communities. "Homer Bread," as it became known, was more than just bread-it was a symbol of care, connection, and generosity. She continued baking and sharing as long as she could, even inviting caregivers to help her carry on the tradition when her hands could no longer do it alone.
Her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life. At Bethany Christian Church and later Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Betty served with joy-whether through fellowship groups, preparing communion bread, or simply offering a kind word and a warm smile.
In February 2026, the Centenarian moved to The Parke Assisted Living, where she continued to be surrounded by love and care. Just days before her passing, her daughter Stephanie lovingly made the final batch of "Homer Bread," a beautiful tribute to a tradition that meant so much to Betty. On April 17, 2026, Betty passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Homer; her son-in-law, William "Mack" Bagby; and many dear family members and friends.
She is survived by her children, Pam Bagby; Stephanie (John) Cole; and Greg (Linda) Robinson. She also leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren: Chris (Clarissa) Bagby, Kelly (Patrick) Jordan, Lori (Ron) Klimek, Kenneth (Rebecca) Cole, Christopher (Michelle) Robinson, and Zachary (Megan) Robinson.
Her love continues through her great-grandchildren: Conner Bagby; Keston (Danay) Klimek; Nick (Kennedy) Klimek; Victoria Cole; Jeffrey Cole; Audrey Robinson; Cora Robinson; Noah Robinson; Grayson Schoenfeld; Sophia Robinson; and Harper Robinson.
She was also blessed to know her great-great-grandchildren: Sage Klimek, Dacre Klimek, and Jolene Klimek and cherishing the 5 Generation photo they captured in March.
Betty's family is profoundly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who walked alongside her, offering not only exceptional care but genuine love. Many who came to know her as "Miss Betty" quickly realized what so many already knew-she had a way of making everyone feel special, seen, and deeply cared for.
To know Betty was truly to love her. She lived a life defined by faith, kindness, humility, and service to others. Her legacy is not only in the lives she touched, but in the love she gave so freely every single day.
She leaves behind these words of wisdom:
Be patient and kind.
Make time for family and friends.
Think of others and serve them, even when it's hard.
Do not judge others until you have walked in their shoes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Betty will be cremated and laid to rest beside her beloved Homer. Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home.
Visits: 42
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors