Isabel Hernandez Robbins

Isabel Hernandez Robbins passed peacefully into the arms of her Beloved Savior on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Centura Littleton Adventist Hospital, Littleton, CO.  And with her passing, the world has lost a vibrant, loving, fiercely loyal, determined woman, passionate for God’s word and His work in her sphere of influence.  Her steadfast consistent faith and pursuit of justice will be missed by all who loved and valued her.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 1, 2023, both will be held at First Methodist Church, 506 East 28^th Street in Bryan, Texas. A graveside service will take place at the Bryan City Cemetery, immediately following the funeral service.

Isabel was the first child born to Mike and Isabel Hernandez on October 14, 1934, in Wheelock, Texas, where she lived until the family moved to Bryan, Texas, in 1940. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School and attending McKenzie Baldwin Business College, she worked for Anco Insurance Company and then for the Oceanography Department at Texas A&M University, from which she retired after 25 years of faithful service. While working full time she also enjoyed taking classes at Texas A&M. After retirement she served in a second career as a certified State of Texas translator for the District Court.

Isabel’s journey was one of resilient faith thru the challenges of life. Her faith informed and framed how she served the community, but especially the church of Jesus Christ. Throughout her life she served the community as a Notary Public, prepared income taxes and immigration documents, as well as performed other services that required translation. Due to her desire for excellence in all she did and her resourcefulness, plus community contacts, many sought her wise counsel on a variety of personal issues and called her friend.

On September 10, 1966, Isabel married the love of her life, Ben Robbins, in Bryan, Texas.  Ben and Isabel’s marriage spanned forty- three years, and their devotion to each other as well as to the church never wavered. Ben and Isabel were a faithful team in mission and ministry at Oak Grove Methodist Church in Bryan and throughout the Rio Grande Conference. After Ben went to be with the Lord in 2009, she continued as the lay leader of the congregation.

Isabel was committed to Oak Grove reaching out and informing the community of available services and resources. She began the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the church, organized Vacation Bible School, coordinated interdenominational Good Friday services with collaborating Hispanic churches, and initiated educational mentoring programs for youth, involving Texas A&M student volunteers.

Isabel was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin P. Robbins, grandson Francisco Javier Salinas II, her parents, Mike and Isabel Hernandez, her sister Ester Hernandez and brother Mike Hernandez, Jr., half-sisters Carolina Bustos, Biatriz Lombraña and Ester Hernandez, and half-brother, Miguel R. Hernandez.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Brenda Rosamaria Salinas and adored son-in-law Francisco Javier Salinas, of Denver, Colorado, beautiful and talented granddaughters Isabel Esperanza Salinas (Nashville, TN), Victoria Alejandra Salinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), and Gabriela Franchesca Salinas (Houston, TX); loving siblings Andrew & Elia Hernandez (Montgomery, TX), Marylena Stodola (Norwalk, CA), David Hernandez (Harlingen, TX), Adelaida “Lita” and Dan Schlueter (San Antonio, TX), Elias and Anne Hernandez (La Palma, CA), Moises Hernandez (Harlingen, TX) , Daniel & Anita Hernandez (College Station, TX); and by numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She will be missed by many in the Church and community.

Expressions of love and sympathy given in the form of flowers would be gratefully accepted by Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, Bryan, TX.  If desired, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at Oak Grove Methodist Church and sent to 403 E. Dodge Street, Bryan, TX, 77803.

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