Virginia Louise Robson, 84, of Dunbar, passed away Friday, September 1, 2006.

Virginia was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Byrnside Robson, her father, Houghton Abbot Robson and her brother, James Houghton Robson.

She is survived by her brother, Houghton A. Robson and wife, Lois, of Ill., sister, Pauline Wilkerson of Dunbar and sister, Betty R. Mahan and husband, Paul of SC. Also surviving are niece, Jennifer W. Britton and husband, John of Charleston; niece, Paula Legge and husband Stephen of Alum Creek; niece Teresa Adams and husband, Tom of SC; nephew, Stephen M. Wilkerson and wife, Myra of PA; nephews, Harry E. Mahan of SC, David Mahan and wife, Deborah of NC; niece, Barbara C. Rider of NV; nephew, James Robson, of Ill; nephew, John Robson of Ohio; niece, Mia Pritchard and husband, Pat, of WI. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.

She received an AB and BS in Secondary Education from Morris Harvey College and a Masters from Teachers College, Columbia University. She continued post graduate studies at various universities. She was employed by Kanawha County Schools for 46 years, serving as a math teacher, dean and guidance counselor, a field in which she is considered a pioneer. After retiring she continued as a volunteer counselor and South Charleston High School.

Virginia was active in many organizations, serving terms of president for the Kanawha County Education Association, the Kanawha County Dean's Association, the WV School Counselor Association, the WV Personnel & Guidance Association and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was also a member of the Charleston branch of the American Association of University Women, the Kanawha Valley Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the American Association of University Women, UC Builders, UC National Alumni Board, Morris Harvey Breakfast Club and the Greater UC Kanawha Valley Alumni Chapter.
Virginia received numerous awards for outstanding achievement during her illustrious career. Some included: WV Personnel & Guidance Association Outstanding Service Award, the WV School Counselor Award for Outstanding Contribution to Guidance & Counseling in WV, Dunbar Lions Club Award for Service to Dunbar Youth, Runner-up for the Secondary School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association, WV Women's Commission "Celebrate Women Award in Education," Union District/Dunbar High School Special Service Recognition Award and UC Alumni of the Year. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dunbar.

Virginia Robson was a beloved sister, aunt, educator, counselor and friend who dedicated her life to helping others. She will be deeply missed.

Service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Dunbar at 11am Tuesday, September 5, with the Rev. Dr. Pamela Eliason officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Monday, September 4, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar and one hour prior to the service at the First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Byrnside Robson Endowed Memorial Scholarship (Virginia's mother), Office of the President, University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV.