It is with much sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of our dear special needs sister, Angelia Marie Robertson. On a happy note, she was able to use a fast pass and go directly into heaven. That’s a perk for those with Downs Syndrome, and she earned it!
Angie was 58 years old and born June 5, 1967. She was the fourth daughter of the late Henry Horton and Carolyn Reece Robertson. She was a proud member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she enjoyed attending each week for most of her life.
She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Holly Robertson; brother-in-law, Steve Smith; grandparents, Sam and Nellie Reece of Dalton and Henry and Effie Robertson of Dalton.
She is survived by her sisters, Phyllis Smith (CB) of Chatsworth, Ga., Beverly (William) North of Resaca, Ga. and Kathy (Eddie) Henson of Lafayette, Ga.; and brother Jeff Robertson (Becky Hecker) of Dalton, Ga.; nieces and nephews, Stephanie Smith Jones (Kim) of Chatsworth, Ga., Kristopher Smith (Mandy) of Chatsworth, Ga., Randell Smith of Dalton, Ga., Andrew Henson of Lafayette, Ga., Ryan Robertson of Dalton, Ga., and Meagan Perry (Jack) of Dalton, Ga.; great-nephew, Jaxson Smith Jones; and great niece, Juniper Perry.
Angie had a small world, but was definitely large in it. This world centered most around her days at Cross Plains Community Partners in Dalton until February 2025. Health issues were beginning to take a toll. She was happy there, this being a source of stability, familiarity, love and care. Kay Sims, Marlene Jones and the rest of the staff were also her family. They were constants in her life and deserve medals for their never ending patience. She didn’t communicate as we know it, but her hardheadedness and stubborn ways made her somewhat of a legend. If it was on her mind, you couldn’t change it. In her early years she loved participating in the Special Olympics, where she proudly helped carry the banner, and was top notch at Shot Put. As the years progressed, she replaced that heavy ball with Klondike bars, and the scale was what was tossed. She also had an ability to find joy in simple things, and we learned to appreciate these things more because of her. No talent was as honed as her nature calls. Dogs and cats in the neighborhood are a little less stressed now that Coyotes aren’t being called by their leader. What else was there to do at 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning? Well, there were the howls or chicken clucking, or doing a quick dance. All too funny, and will be sorely missed.
For the past four years we siblings had the pleasure of taking care of Angie. Since we had moved on with our lives and Angie had been with our parents for all her life, it shed new light on what we took for granted as normal family life. We prayed “Lord help us” more than once! What we relearned was the meaning of “uniqueness.” God made Angie just as He wanted, and He understood her perfectly. Imperfect things were OK; you just had to roll with her flow.
We know that heaven sent their very best angel to take Angie home. That’s what they do for the most innocent souls. She was embraced by those who have gone on before her, including several fur friends each fondly named “Tucey,” aka Lucy. Steve, her best friend of many years, would have greeted her with a Dr. Pepper and she is probably STILL at the best spaghetti bar that only heaven can offer. Sorry Bev, don’t take offense, but it does top yours! Our mother and Angie made a trip to Captain D’s restaurant in Calhoun every Saturday for many years until momma’s death in 2021. They must surely have a booth named in their honor! Sadly, the Klondike bars and pudding cup makers will now also suffer a decline in sales. Even though this isn’t how it works, when we get to Heaven we will envy her beautiful mansion, since it will be much grander than ours! Maybe she will return the favor and let us stay in a room!
Each of us grieves Angie’s passing and expect this sadness to continue. As time moves on it will fade, but never be forgotten. “Lulu,” as her friends called her, will never leave our hearts. This was her journey, and our lives were enriched more than words can say by helping her take it. Her passing was her way home. Our memories are more precious than gold, and will be with us wherever our own journeys lead. Angie would tell us not to cry because she’s gone, but be happy because she was here! Rest in Peace sweet sister – we love you – “MAR” you were a mighty force!
Services to celebrate the life of Miss Angelia Marie “Angie” Robertson will be held Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Jay Tenney and Larry Lee officiating. She will be laid to rest with her family at the Robertson family cemetery with William North, Eddie Henson, Randell Smith, Andrew Henson, Ryan Robertson and Kris Smith honored to serve at pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaxson Smith-Jones and Claude Bell.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 11 a.m. Thursday morning until the service hour.
Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Ga. 30721. 706-226-4002. www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org