Constance Robinson

It is with sadness that we announce that Constance Louise Robinson (née Brown), of Billings, MT, slipped from this world to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 8th, just twelve days shy of her 86th birthday.

Born to Daniel Paul and Edna (Wiggins) Brown and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Connie was part of the rock ‘n roll generation that came of age in the late 1950s—the era of Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, sock hops, shiny car tailfins, and I Love Lucy. She was sixteen when American Bandstand debuted on national television, and fifteen when she attended an Elvis Presley concert with 6,000 other screaming fans at Augusta’s Bell Auditorium in 1956. Elvis autographed her hand, and she staunchly refused to wash it for days until her father finally threatened her with punishment.

After high school, she worked as a manual switchboard operator for Southern Bell, politely and efficiently connecting hundreds of calls per hour. Augusta was a military town, and Connie enjoyed dancing and mingling with soldiers at USO mixers at nearby Fort Campbell. At 21, she married a serviceman and moved with him to Southern California. Though that marriage was short-lived, Connie always considered it a blessing because it brought her first daughter into the world.

California is also where she met Howard, the true love of her life. She liked to joke that her initial impression of him was a nerd with a pocket protector, but he proved to be earnest, romantic, funny, and very handsome behind his glasses. Smitten with Connie and her toddler, Howard won her heart, and they went on to share 41 wonderful years of marriage.

Connie dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker, taking immense pride in creating an immaculate, welcoming home while raising her four children. She loved hosting birthday parties, family holiday gatherings, and card parties with close friends. Though her Georgia accent faded, she retained her air of simple Southern refinement. She always carried herself as a lady and never left home without being neatly put-together; she was polished but entirely unpretentious.

Her life took an unexpected turn in 1976 when Howard decided to move back to his childhood home outside of Scobey, Montana to take over the small family wheat and cattle farm. It was a tough transition for a Southern girl, especially during the first winters when record snow drifted seven feet deep and temperatures plunged to 30 below, but she put on a brave face. She stepped into the role of a farm wife—cooking big meals for branding and harvest crews and delivering coffee and cookies out to the fields. To stay connected while Howard worked, they used CB radios, and he gave her the perfect handle: "Georgia Peach."

Connie’s deep faith and relationship with the Lord guided her life. When Howard succumbed to cancer in 2007, her conviction was severely tested, but after some time and much prayer, she and the Lord got back to being on good speaking terms.

Following Howard’s passing, Connie kept her calendar full by volunteering, hosting Bible study lunches, and spending cherished time with family and friends. She was a devoted grandmother who loved attending her grandkids' sporting events and concerts, cheering them on just as she had done for her own children. She never missed a birthday or holiday and her kids and grandkids were her whole world. 

Connie will be remembered by those who knew her as a true prayer warrior and a warm friend with a kind and gentle spirit.

Connie is survived by her four children: Teresa Lutey (Thomas) of Bozeman, MT; Howard Robinson (Janelle) of South Weber, UT; Jennifer Linquist (Rick) of Mesa, Arizona; and David Robinson (Lisa) of Billings, MT. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 2:00 PM at Vineyard Church, 1413 Rosebud Lane, Billings, MT.