Patricia Kay Turney

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Patricia Kay Turney, devoted wife, beloved sister, and cherished aunt, passed away in Charlotte, NC, at the age of 71. 

Born on March 17, 1953, in Suffield, Ohio, to Charles and Lola Bell Turney, Patricia spent many frosty mornings waiting at the bus stop in knee socks and her school’s mandatory skirts. The mantra she embraced during those chilly waits and later in life—“the school bus will come”—became a family motto, encouraging everyone to look toward the horizon because good things, like the school bus, were, without fail, just beyond.

Pat received her Dental Hygiene degree from Central Piedmont Community College and took pride in her 50-plus years as a dental hygienist. On May 27, 1989, she married the love of her life, Ron Robinson. Pat loved to recount the story of how she, with the help of her sister, Sue, “picked Ron up in a bar” and instantly knew she would marry him. Their 35-year marriage was filled with love and wonderful adventures, including visiting all 50 states—a goal she pursued with enthusiasm and meticulous planning.

An independent and strong-willed woman, Pat was a staunch advocate for women’s rights and animal welfare.  Especially drawn to abandoned dogs, she adopted numerous shelter pets over the years and showered each with love and affection until they crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Patricia’s many talents ranged from gardening and beekeeping to cross-stitching and jewelry-making to collecting cookbooks. Whatever she loved, she embraced with an enthusiasm that neared obsession. Patti adored Christmas and hosted the most wonderfully extravagant holiday parties for which she cooked for days, often using every pot, pan, and serving dish she owned.  A devoted Buckeye, Pat never missed an Ohio State game or the opportunity to insult their biggest rival, Michigan.  She was also a devoted Duke basketball fan. 

From her Christmas parties, to her famous sausage gravy, to her second to none blackberry cobbler, to the perfect gifts she deliberated over and gave with enthusiasm, Pat was the embodiment of a thoughtful giver, expressing her love through heartfelt actions for family and friends alike. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings: Frances, Alice, Thelma, and Jim.  Pat’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Ron Robinson; her sister, Sue Carver; her two nieces, Wendy and Elizabeth, to whom she was like a second mother; as well as many other nieces and nephews, family members, and her chosen friends near and far. She will also be missed by her loyal canine companions, Bella, Pinky, and Maddie.

At Pat’s request, there will be no public service. If you feel moved to honor her remarkable life, you are invited to:

• Make a donation to the Humane Society of Mecklenburg County;
• Cook for someone you love;
• Plant a native tree in her memory; or
• At any opportunity, raise a glass of Diet Coke and toast Pat’s memory with an enthusiastic “go Bucks!”