July 9, 2024
Mrs. Oleta Robbins Stanton passed away peacefully at age 96 on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, after a long and beautiful life.
Mrs. Stanton was born on Dec. 7, 1927, in Byrdstown, Tenn., to Virgil Winsted Robbins and Donna Myrtle (Reagan) Robbins, the only daughter of six children. She graduated from Pickett County High School in 1946, and dedicated her life to caring for her family, making a home and following her passions.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Fowler G. Stanton. Together, they built a life on love, family, faith and music in Smithville, Tenn., where they were members of the First United Methodist Church. Mama O deeply loved her children and grandchildren and was passionate in her interests.
While her main priority was being a devoted mom, she also had an eye for fashion and style. (Among the many, many lessons handed down, “Remember, black shoes do not go with everything.”) Mrs. Stanton enjoyed working in local businesses Smithville Dress Shop, Zollicoffer’s and Nichol’s Jewelry. She also served local schools, as a teacher’s assistant at the York Institute and a seamstress for the high school marching bands that Mr. Stanton directed in DeKalb, Smith and Jackson counties.
An avid reader, Mrs. Stanton loved memoirs and biographies, as she enjoyed learning about people, their stories and their lives. There, she fell in love with the Kennedy’s Camelot and Grace Kelly. Mrs. Stanton moved through her life with grace, with a green thumb, training as an archeress, a flair for hostessing and a passion about animal rights causes. Her donations were always anonymous, and her style was always flawless.
Along with her husband, Mrs. Stanton was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Harold, Ralph, Kelly, Keith and Ward Robbins; and stepson Tommy Stanton.
Mrs. Stanton is survived by one son, Harold Edward (Vicki) Copeland of Cookeville, Tenn.; two daughters, Donna Jane Copeland of Nashville, Tenn., and Sonata (Rob) Helbig of Hendersonville, Tenn.; one stepdaughter Melody (Dr. Tim) Foster of Old Hickory, Tenn.; four grandsons, Duke and Dean Rayburn and Ethan and Braden Copeland; two granddaughters, Lauren (Gabe) Fiscus and Katie Foster (fiancé Jan Niec); and great-granddaughter Adelaide Fiscus.
A visitation will be held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, and a celebration of life officiated with Bro. David Hill will follow.
Memorials in Mrs. Stanton’s honor may be made to Red Cedar Glen Senior Living, 202 Walton Ferry Rd., Hendersonville, TN 37075; or the First United Methodist Church Capital Campaign, P.O. 95, Smithville, TN 37166.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements