Robbie Mae Prowell-Atchley

"For the Lord, Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first to see Him in the air." I Thessalonians 4: 16 Mrs. Robbie Mae Prowell—Atchley, Loving Daughter, Niece, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grand, and Great Grandmother was born August 10, 1933, in Columbus, MS to proud parents, Mary Johnson and Robert Prowell. She entered this world to be loved and indulged by her family especially her favorite older brother, John E. Johnson whom she loved fiercely and would literally give her last meal and money. They were extremely close and shared all the joys of sister/brotherhood. She was very protective, and their bond was distinct and enduring. Everyone knew if you took "Brother" (as she affectionately called him) on, you had to take Robbie on also. She relied upon and valued John's advice and consultation throughout her life. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2014. After several dating attempts, Robbie became the blushing bride of the late Phillip Loadrick Joseph Atchley. The Lord spoke to her and said, "He would not keep blessing her if she keeps turning His blessings away. February 24, 1957, in Cora, WV. witnessed by her cousin, Mary Evans, and their dear friend, Earnestine Hill. This loving union celebrated 44 years of marital bliss. Together their love produced, chose, and nurtured 5 amazing children: 3 beautiful daughters: Phyllis Mae Atchley, Raddar Mary Atchley, and Selita Faye; and 2 handsome sons: Edward Lander Atchley (deceased June 3, 2015) and Joseph Loadrick Atchley. Phillip preceded Robbie in death on December 18, 2001. Caring for her family was the priority. The home was a place where happiness, loveliness, and security were evidenced by close family ties, that only death could separate. She was very supportive and genuinely caring toward her other family members. She was a nurse to both her mother-in-love and mother, during their time of illness until they went to sleep. She managed all this with so much finesse that we thought her life was easy until we grew up and fully understood the massive responsibility, she carried every day. A domestic engineer personified. She stayed home and raised the children, gardened, canned, prepared 3 home- cooked meals daily, and baked fresh bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and cobblers. She was known for the abundance of her kitchen and her bounty. The aromatic fragrances coming from her kitchen teased everyone's taste buds and the delicious dishes left us with completely satisfied palates. Robbie was a seamstress at heart. Hence, we did not lack clothing, blankets, quilts, or curtains. A true Proverbs 31 woman equipped with many talents: she crocheted, knitted, kept the house clean and organized, painted our rooms when needed, taught us how to read, count, and save money, and all the soft and domestic skills to live successfully. Everyone always complimented her on her flower beds and potted plants. Her green thumb slowed down and stopped the passersby. She would walk the neighborhood and stop to speak and return home with flowering plants to add to the garden. Her love for the animals was right up there with the flowers. Every day she would feed the birds reciting they are God's creatures and that we were created to take care of them. I imagine she figured if she cared for the chickens, ducks, dogs, and other animals on the land she might as well include them. She propositioned Phillip to build her a convenience store. The store was completely stocked and customer ready. Before opening day, a Billboard was erected advertising, “Robbie's Grocery”—the first Black female-owned convenience store in Whitman. Her business acumen never ceased to amaze us. With an eighth-grade education, she did not let that stop her from successfully accomplishing whatever she endeavored. Robbie and Phillip were staunch advocates of education: pushing, supporting, and encouraging, every child in the house to get good grades, do well in school, and graduate. Although Phillip worked long hours outside the home he would come home after work and manage the store until closing. And assist Robbie with whatever was necessary. They deserved an Oscar for "Hardest Working and Loving Mother and Father"—Our Hero and Shero. They showed up when we participated in extracurricular activities and cheered us on. She became our driver when Phillip could not break away from work. And allowed us to join clubs, organizations, and sports; travel with the groups. Robbie loved dressing to the nines. She told her daughters while getting ready for church, "you are not dressed until you accessorize- hat, gloves, pearls/necklace, handkerchief, heels, and purse." Every Sunday was a fashion show. Sometimes, Phillip would gaze as we walked through the living room out the front door inspecting our dresses with the modest barometer (his eyes). Robbie was baptized at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Whitman, WV and later became a member of the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Holden, WV. She was actively involved in several auxiliaries, sang in the choir, was a deaconess, and usher also helped in the kitchen on special days. Often, she traveled with her friends, Duffie D. Thomas, and Louise Bates to attend different conventions, meetings, celebrations, and services for worship and fellowship with sister churches. Returning to share the most humorous stories. After the death of her mother Elnora Burton, her Aunt, (an exceptional schoolteacher that exhibited royalty personified in conduct, conversation, and demeanor) took on this role, alongside Ruth Johnson her prayer partner, confidant, and sister-friend. Her love for the community was equally embraced didn't matter sick or well, widowed, seniors, homeless, or those who had fallen on hard times it was nothing for her to cook another meal, share, buy or wash clothes, clean homes, or just sit and talk with them in their homes, yard or on the porch. The neighborhood children often called her mom as well. She would jump rope, play games, dolls, jacks, ball, hide and seek, and share her home-cooked meals, her arms of love were extended to all. Robbie Mae Prowell—Atchley the Queen of our family closed her eyes on February 16, 2023, on Thursday morning pausing her journey. Our Friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones provided comforting words, expressions, and deeds that created a resonance of love, friendship, family, and support. This expressed benevolence will never be forgotten; these acts are indelibly etched in our minds and hearts. Take your rest from this journey and we will see you in the morning, Loving Daughter, Niece, Wife, Mother, Aunt, Cousin, Grand, and Great Grandmother. She leaves to cherish her loving memory, three daughters, Phyllis Mae Atchley, and Raddar Mary Atchley both of (Huntington, WV), Selita F. Atchley—Harpe (Michael) of Havre De Grace, MD; One son, Joseph Loadrick Atchley, (Huntington, WV). Seven Grandchildren: Eddie, Edwin, De Anna, and Kahlia Atchley—Collett (De Shawn) all of (Louisville, KY); Joseph De Angelo, and Phillip Loadrick Atchley both of (Huntington, WV); Six Great Grand Children; Five Sisters: Bobbie (Marion) Davis, Bowling Green, KY; Glenda (Bobby) Lavender, Aliceville, AL; Linda (Ephraim) Hughes, Bowling Green, KY; Barbara (Roger) Lindsey, Cumberland, RI; Patricia (Lewis) Summerville, Jacksonville, NC. One Stepbrother and Step-sister Jimmie (Denise) Prowell, Tuscaloosa, AL, and Janet Prowell. Carrollton, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A Home-Going Service will be conducted 12:00 PM, Wednesday February 22, 2023, at Real Life Christian Center, 2511 9th Avenue, Huntington, WV, with Bishop Charles Shaw, officiating and Elder Michael Harpe, Euologist. Interment will immediately follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, WV. Visitation will be held 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday February 22, 2023 at Real Life Christian Center. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ferrell-chambersfuneralhome.com. Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, WV is entrusted with the arrangements for the Atchley family.

Robbie Mae Prowell-Atchley

August 10, 1933 - February 16, 2023