Ima Jean Robinson, 98
Funeral services for Ima Jean (Naugle) Robinson, 98, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the Smith Chapel Church of Christ, north of Gainesville. Burial will follow in the Smith Chapel Cemetery.
She died Dec. 2 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on March 24, 1928, in Brixey. After graduating from high school, Ima Jean began her career in the hills of Ozark County, teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Though she cherished shaping young minds, her most important and enduring calling was that of a homemaker. She poured her life, energy and joy into nurturing her family, creating a home filled with love, warmth and welcome.
She faithfully supported her husband as he continued his education, earning her the lighthearted but well-deserved “PhT” - Putting Hubby Through - by typing his doctoral dissertation on a Selectric typewriter with four carbon copies. Her dedication to her family’s needs was unwavering, and she met every task with grace and determination.
As a gifted seamstress, she could turn fabric into beauty - quilts, drapes, clothing for her children and countless other creations stitched with skill and love. Yet the place where she was happiest was the kitchen. Cooking and baking for others was her love language, and she delighted in feeding family, friends and neighbors with generosity that seemed to have no end.
Her children and grandchildren were among her greatest joys. She filled their lives with laughter, games, jigsaw puzzles, songs, and an abundance of affection. Her days were punctuated by playful moments, shared stories and melodies sung without hesitation.
She lived as a Proverbs 31 woman - serving with open hands and an open heart; her children call her blessed. She fed the hungry, clothed the poor, visited the sick, and welcomed all with genuine hospitality. Her legacy is one of steadfast love, humble service, and deep devotion to God.
Prior to her death, she was a faithful member of the Somers Avenue Church of Christ in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She previously attended the Sunset church of Christ in Springfield for many years. She worshiped and worked with her church families for many years. Her faith shaped every chapter of her life and continues to inspire those she leaves behind.
She leaves a legacy of love for her family and love for her God - a legacy that will live on in every meal shared, every quilt cherished, every song remembered and every act of kindness done in her honor. May her memory be a blessing and her example a guiding light for all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her sister, Sue (Naugle) Cole of West Plains; sister-in-law Ethelene (Stigall) Naugle of Washington, Illinois; her children: Linda Mowrer (Mike Mowrer) of Knoxville, Tennessee, Janet Akins of Sherwood, Arkansas, Ronda Duce (John Duce) of Louisville, Kentucky; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 78 years, Orin Ray Robinson of Sherwood, Arkansas; parents Henry Everett and Lottie (Smith) Naugle of Missouri; two brothers; four sisters; and son-in-law Jim Akins, of Sherwood, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orin Robinson Scholarship Fund: Please make checks payable to the Missouri State University Foundation and note it for the Orin Robinson Scholarship. They need to be mailed to the Foundation at: Missouri State University Foundation, 300 S. Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100, Springfield, MO 65806.
Gifts can also be made online at www.missouristatefoundation.org Orin Robinson Scholarship can be written in the "additional gift details" box.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.