CATHERIN KNOWLES ROBUCK's Obituary
Catherin Knowles Robuck passed away Sunday night, August 20, 2023. A Wilmington Native, Catherin was born, April 7, 1942, the only child to Cecil James and Norma Savage Knowles. As a teenager in the 50s, Catherin would catch the train from Wilmington to Rosehill (42 miles) to visit family in “the country” where she was considered “the city” girl. Catherin graduated from New Hanover High School in and married Charlie Kelroy Robuck.
Catherin worked for many years at Winter Park Drug Store, then later at a local laundromat, affording her family essential medical insurance.
In the early 1990’s she introduced her locally famous 12-layer cakes by way of Charlie Rivenbark’s Restaurant in Wilmington. Catherin’s cakes were a top favorite among customers and family alike – many local families requesting cakes for birthdays and holidays. Catherin, with Charlie’s help, would make upwards to 200 cakes during the holidays to distribute locally.
She was a master of southern cooking. Her country style steak, stew beef and rice, banana pudding She rarely used a measuring cup, so getting an exact recipe was hard. Her response to how much would be, “until it looks right” or “tastes right” or “feels right”, whatever the case would be.
No holiday meal was complete without Catherin’s creamed corn. In later years she was adept at planning and cooking holiday dinners for the family, conjuring all those warm feelings of nostalgia that come when everyone gathers to reconnect and enjoy the fellowship of one another.
She practiced and passed down the quintessential southern traditions of handwritten thank you notes, putting up corn, making strawberry jam, Sunday Dinner, and Chicken pie.
In the mid 1980’s several members of Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church moved from Augusta, GA to the Wilmington area with the intent of forming a new congregation. Catherin and her husband were invited to attend one of the earliest meetings, became sanctified and longtime members. Many of their closest, enduring friendships have come from within the church.
She loved to travel, taking RV excursions with friends around the country and cruises including to Alaska and Panama Canal. She especially loved the North Carolina mountains in the fall. She was an avid NBA and ACC Basketball fan.
Catherin was a kind soul who loved having babies and children around. She loved to shop for newborn clothes to find just the cutest, most precious Instagram-worthy outfits.
Over the years, she attended countless orchestra concerts, pageants, dance recitals, baseball games, gymnastic meets, and cheer competitions in support of her children and grandchildren. She was their biggest fan.
But, of all the things Catherin loved, nothing could compare to her love for her wonderful husband, Charlie. He has been her companion, her partner, her everything for over sixty years. Catherin and Charlie enjoyed an abundant life together, a tribute to family, faith, and friendships.
Catherin is survived by her husband, Charlie, of the home; their son, Roy Robuck, and wife Paula, of Wilmington; grandson; Charlie Robuck, III, and his wife Courtney, of Leland; daughter Gail Robuck, and husband Mike Fox, of the home; granddaughter, Katie Fox, of the home; as well as the beloved family dog, Colby. Along with cousins Dorothy (Dot) Kozen, Dallas Knowles, Wesley Knowles, brothers and sisters in law, and countless nieces and nephews.
Catherin will be truly missed, everyone holding tight to their own memories of her – and it will be through those memories, she will remain with us, always.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Nicole Wright – Catherin’s in-home caregiver for the past several months. Nicole’s contribution to Catherin’s health and wellness has been greatly appreciated.
The family will receive friends Thursday night, August 24, 2023, from 6 – 8pm at Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church at 7517 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28411. Funeral Services and Interment will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, 2 PM at the Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church Campground in Perry, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church, 7517 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28411.
Andrews Mortuary handled arrangements in North Carolina. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with services in Perry, Ga.
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