Sara Batts Robbins

Sara Batts Robbins, 73, passed away on February 5, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with late-stage congestive heart failure. 

 The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 12 – 2:45 p.m. with a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Pastor John Check will officiate.

Sara was born on March 2, 1951, to parents Imogene Davis Batts and Armond Douglas Batts in Edgecombe County. She was raised in the New Hope community, surrounded by friends and family. As a child, nothing gave her greater pleasure than to be on a horse, riding the farm, participating in rodeos or horse shows. 

 After graduating from Fike High School, Sara received her degree in elementary education from Atlantic Christian College as well as took master’s level classes at NC State. Sara was an accomplished schoolteacher, retiring after thirty years from Winstead Elementary School in Wilson. She served as a great friend and mentor to many teachers over her years working in the Wilson County Public School System.

 Sara loved many and lived a full life. Her main focus was always her children, Chip and Lisabeth and her grandchild, Sara-Grayson. She loved her family dearly. She loved gardening, hummingbirds, elephants, ice cream, beach music, summer and a good book. She believed in community involvement and giving back. 

 Sara was a lifelong devotee to the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, serving in various roles from board of trustee member to president of the ladies auxiliary. She was a celebrated weekly volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, where she was recognized for over ten years of service. Sara served as a member and past president of the Golden Circle Optimist Club in Wilson. 

 Sara was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by son, Grady Douglas “Chip” Robbins and partner, George Efstathiou of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter, Lisabeth Robbins Sumner and husband, Michael of Elm City; granddaughter, Sara-Grayson Sumner and fiancé, Garrett Weaver of Elm City; brother, Phillip Douglas Batts and wife, Barbara of Wilson; sister, Lou Batts Anders and husband, Shawn of Bailey; nephew, Bennett Batts and wife, Jessica of Efland, as well as her beloved Aunt Maggie Lamm and husband, Billy of Wilson. 

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Sara’s name to either Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, 5215 Hornes Church Road, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 Or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern North Carolina, 529 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, North Carolina 27834.

 Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.