Robin Rivers Neeld

Robin Rivers Neeld went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ in her heavenly home on January 20th when she unexpectedly died of complications from covid. She was one of the most selfless persons you would ever meet. She gave herself freely and without expectation of returns. And she never missed an opportunity to share her faith and talk about Jesus. She was proud to be called mother and wife, and fulfilled her role with grace and joy. Jennings Neeld, her husband, best friend, lover, and life-long fishing partner of forty-five years, was by her side, as he has always been. Robin Dale Rivers was born in Ellenton, FL on November 30, 1953, the daughter of Methodist Minister Ralph William Rivers and his wife Martha Hogan Rivers. Over the course of her father's ministry, Robin lived in numerous towns throughout FL. She graduated from King High School, Tampa, FL (1971). She attended Florida Southern College graduating with a BA Degree in Sociology (1975). She attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling (1987). She attended Nova Southeastern University where she graduated with an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership (2011). During Robin's high school years, she was a camp counselor each summer at the United Methodist Youth Camp, Picciola Island on Lake Harris. When she went to college, she moved from being a camp counselor to working in the kitchen. It was there, during a weekend men's retreat, she met her future husband. From that moment on, Robin and Jennings were devoted to each other. The following year, they were engaged, and later married on December 20th, 1975 at Christ United Methodist Church in Tampa, FL. Both fathers, Rev. Ralph W. Rivers and Rev. Jennings A. Neeld, Jr. presided over the wedding ceremony with each giving their son and daughter their vows: "To have and to hold from that day forward; for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor and cherish, till death do us part. As God as my witness, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you in accordance with God's holy ordinance." After being married, they lived in Miami, FL. Robin worked as a counselor in Riverside Halfway House and then for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. After moving to N. Lauderdale, FL Robin worked as the Children's Ministry Coordinator, First United Methodist Church Pompano Beach, FL. In 1980 they relocated to Georgia and lived in Augusta, Macon and the Atlanta area where Robin began her career in education as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor. Eventually in 1993 they were transferred back to central FL. It was at this time that Robin began her career with Lake County Schools until her retirement in October 2020. Her jobs included Tobacco and Drug Specialist, Alternative School Coordinator, Safe Schools Coordinator, Assistant Principal Eustis High School, Assistant Principal Groveland Elementary, Principal Treadway Elementary, ESE Coordinator, School Analyst, and Medicaid Manager. She loved each one of her jobs in education and she was truly happy doing them. For forty-five years Robin and Jennings were inseparable fishing partners. They fished for bass in most FL lakes, bonefish in Bimini, salmon in Alaska, tarpon in S FL, but their first love was fishing the flats along the FL Gulf Coast. For many years they owned a condo in Suwannee, FL where they loved to chase redfish and snook. Robin always commented that Jennings was the best guide, in life and in fishing, she could ever ask for. Jennings would quickly respond, "Robin always caught quality fish, because she always caught the biggest." Robin just recently commented to her husband, the most precious title she ever held in life was, "Mom." When she became Mrs. Neeld, that was a title she cherished. However, when she had her first child, Heather, she became a Mom. From that moment on, "Mom" was her most important title. She was a Mom first and she told Jennings he became number two. After the birth of Kristin and Chance, she explained to Jennings, he soon moved to number three and then to number four. Even though Jennings was the love of her life, it was her children whom she dearly loved and was most proud of for all their accomplishments. With grandchildren, she soon became known as Nannie, another title which she adored. Robin served faithfully at First Baptist Church Umatilla. Church has always been an integral part of their lives together. It is their faith in Jesus Christ, which was the foundation of their relationship from day one. Their faith and love of Jesus was the rock, which made their marriage and life together so strong, rewarding, and fulfilling. They have been on the mountain tops and in the darkest valleys, but in their walk with Jesus, they have always had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Sticking close to Jesus' side and trusting in Him, was the strength which got them through this final earthly part of her life's journey. And yes, they will be together again in heaven! Robin was preceded in death by her grandson, Nathan Emerson Neeld. She is survived by her husband of forty-five years, Jennings A. Neeld, III, her daughter Heather Neeld, her daughter and son-in-law, Kristin O'Donnell and Stephen, her son and daughter-in-law, Chance Neeld and Katie, and her step-daughter and son-in-law Jolyn Matheson and Robby; nine grandchildren: Lawton Wiesenecker, Brooke Wiesenecker, CJ Wiesenecker, Claire O'Donnell, Cashel O'Donnell, Olivia Neeld, Isaiah Matheson, Bucky Matheson, and coming this February, Colson Neeld; two nephews, and five nieces. Robin's Celebration of Life Services will be Saturday, February 6th, 11:00am at First Baptist Church Umatilla. The family request black not be worn, but vibrant colors, Hawaiian prints and flowers be the colors of the day, because this is truly a celebration. In light of Coronavirus, the family is asking everyone to please wear a mask. The service will be live streamed at https://www.fbcu.church/watch-live/ In lieu of flowers, financial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Umatilla's Building Fund. Interment will be for the family only at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla, Florida.

Robin Rivers Neeld

November 30, 1953 - January 20, 2021