Robin Schumpert Lee

Robin Vonette Shumpert Lee (68) of Charleston, South Carolina, died of complications associated with frontotemporal dementia on August 16, 2024.

She was born in Williston, SC in 1956 to Vonette Boylston and Louis Marion Shumpert Sr., the third of five children and the eldest of three daughters. Robin was raised in the South and a great lover of travel, the arts, gardening, and early childhood education. She married Charleston chef Frank Lee in 1982; together they lived in Chicago and Washington, D.C. before settling in Balsam Grove, N.C. and the Isle of Palms, S.C., where she helped found and taught at the recreation department preschool for 20 years. Children were her great joy, and she was beloved by her many students, who she taught, above all else, to be kind to one another.

On the island, she and Frank raised their three children, survived hurricanes and tropical storms, grew wild gardens, and swam in the ocean as much as possible. Robin was a great lover of the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking in the mountains, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the Bahamas. Together with her family she savored long days on Caper’s Island, clamming, fishing, and spotting osprey nests in the trees. An avid reader, shell collector, and constant helper of those in need, Robin brought joy to all who knew her strong, gentle spirit. She was never afraid to try new things and encouraged others to follow their dreams.

Robin was preceded in death by her parents, her older brothers Louis Marion and Thomas Obra, and is survived by sisters Vicki Wooten, Dottie Robidoux, and their families, her step-mother Patricia Schumpert, her husband Frank, their children Meghan, Everett, and Jesse, her son-in-law Sam Goinsalvos, and granddaughter Franny. 

A memorial will be held at Islander 71 on September 13, 2024 from 12-3 pm. Donations to Respite Care Charleston would be greatly appreciated. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.