Robbie Salisbury met her Lord today on June 29, 2021 surrounded by family and those she loved.
Born in Summit New Jersey on July 28, 1936, Robbie grew up in Richmond Virginia before moving back to Summit where she graduated high school. She attended Wells College in New York where she majored in her passion Art History and met her future husband William D. (Bill) Mason who was at Colgate. Settling in Scotch Plains New Jersey after graduation, Robbie was a leader in a variety of civic organizations including school PTAs, the Jaycee-Ette’s, College Club, League of Women Voters and as a member of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education.
The sudden passing of Bill in 1976 to cancer prompted her to relocate the family to Hilton Head Island, SC which had been a treasured vacation spot for many years. She became Director of Member Services for the Hilton Head Company and oversaw the social activities for the company’s six golf, tennis and croquet clubs. An avid tennis player, she also formed the island’s first USTA affiliate.
In 1984, Robbie married the second love of her life, Robert G. (Bob) Salisbury and in 1987 they moved to Whispering Pines, where prior to retiring for good she served as office manager for a builder, who was also the Mayor of Southern Pines. She became involved in organizations that aligned with her interests, including the Computer Club of the Sandhills, the Pinettes and as the public representative on the North Carolina Penalty Review Board which over saw long-term health care facilities in the state. She and Bob were also active members of the Brownson Presbyterian Church. Somehow, they did find time to enjoy the real perks or retirement – travel and golf – which gave them years of joy until Bob’s passing in 2012.
Her passion to be involved and help others was based not only on her love of family, the foundation of faith, but in the many friendships she nurtured and cherished so dearly. Robbie believed these personal relations were the real joys of her life and they gave meaning to her activities.
Robbie is survived by two sons and daughter, Dave, Jeff and Sandy Mason, from her marriage to Bill Mason, three stepsons, Rob, Randy and Theo Salisbury, from her marriage to Bob Salisbury, her sister Polly Hunt and half-brother Jon Hunt, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter and her rat terrier, Katie. She was preceded in death by her parents Margaret Hill Sutherland and Robert E. Hunt.
Please join family and friends to celebrate Robbie’s life on August 14, 2021, at Brownson Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines. Donations in Robbie’s memory can be made to Brownson Presbyterian Church, 330 S. May Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387
