Obituary

“And there will I keep you forever

Yes forever and a day

Till the walls shall crumble and ruin

And moulder in dust away”

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It is with a profound sense of loss and sorrow that we announce the passing of Robin Basman Durrett, 77, of Beckley, WV.

Born on May 10, 1949, in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Jack Basman and Esther Evnitz Basman and was preceded in death by her late husband, Charles Allen Durrett.

Robin was a loving mother to Rebecca (Cottle) Makhene and husband Mmotsa, Paul Cottle and wife Megan Turnock, and Sarah Durrett, and a loving grandmother of Andrew and Elijah Makhene and Margot Turnock. She was a loving sister to Judith (Basman) Van Ginkle and late husband David Van Ginkel and Lynn (Basman) Gottlob and late husband Milford Gottlob, and a loving aunt to nieces and nephews Jennifer (Primack) Mooney and husband Don, Leigh (Primack) Levy, Louise (Gottlob) Cullen and husband Patrick, Stephanie Gottlob, and Adam Gottlob and wife Tricia. She had a close relationship with her cousin, Mary Ellen Shine, who will also live to cherish her memory.

Robin was known as a tireless educator during her 30 years in Raleigh County Schools. She has a long and distinguished career, focusing primarily on teaching kindergarten at Daniels Elementary. As an educator, she touched the lives of hundreds of children, and was known as someone who could make a connection with children of any background. As a congregation and board member of Temple Beth El in Beckley, WV. she contributed to the temple community as a trusted social event coordinator. She was able to engage anyone she met and never knew a stranger. People who met her only briefly were treated to a kind word and a bright smile, and those of us who were lucky enough to have known her well will never forget her sense of humour and warmth that she shared with everyone in her life without reservation.

Robin enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, desiring neither luxury nor extravagance. If she had a good book, some good food, some lighthearted conversation, and the company of her friends and loved ones, she was happy. She took great joy in her pets. She loved to share her life with all the people around her, but especially children who were drawn to her and with whom she made a particularly meaningful bond. The light in her eyes never burned brighter than when she was making a connection with a child.

Her unwavering strength and resilience were most evident when she poured her heart and soul into her relationships. She was always ready to help the ones she loved no matter the personal cost and that is how we will continue to honor her memory. There was not a day in her life that she was not in a caregiving role. From her childhood dolls to her children, her students, and her many beloved pets, the greatest joy she knew was in caring for those around her. When her mother was ill at the end of her life, Robin cared for her and made every sacrifice to support her and ease her passing. Whenever a friend or loved one came to Robin for help, they always knew that she would do whatever she could to help. She was known in the community for her love of animals and was known by many to be someone who would open her home and heart for abandoned animals with nowhere else to go.

Robin will be remembered by those who knew her best as a kind hearted person full of brightness and warmth that she shared with everyone around her. The world is a little bit less loving for having lost this wonderful woman.

She will be laid to rest beside her parents with a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her honor to the Humane Society of Raleigh County, 325 Grey Flats Road, Beckley, WV  25801.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com,

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.