Robbie Lou Smith Todd

September 16, 2013

Robbie Lou Smith Todd died Sept. 16, 2013, at the age of 95 years, surrounded by her children.

Born on a farm in the small community of Bono, Ark., and Robbie grew up in Belgreen.

Robbie graduated from Belgreen High School and Massey Business College in Birmingham. She then met an aspiring entrepreneur and politician, A. W. Todd. A. W. attempted to sweep her off her feet by driving her, on their first date, in a yellow school bus he borrowed from his dad, the Belgreen school bus driver.

He improved his efforts at courtship and they married in 1941. For the next 55 years, until his death in 1996, Robbie occupied many roles. She performed all of them superbly.  She was the ultimate at multitasking before the term was coined. She was a devoted mother to three daughters, all of whom became public servants; and a dedicated wife who supported and ran 11 statewide political campaigns over 40 years with A.W.

As a result of her efforts, he is the only person to serve three terms as Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture. He always said he owed his victories to her. In politics and in marriage, she was truly his partner.

She also was a businesswoman who managed family investments and helped run numerous businesses. She had other careers as a legal secretary and an employee of various agencies including TVA, Redstone Arsenal, Russellville High School, and Auburn Extension Services.

She helped raise seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. After A. W.’s death, Robbie remained active in public life, advocating and making a reality the A. W. Todd Centre, a unique community senior and events center, and farmers’ market which serves thousands in the Russellville community.

One constant throughout her life was her love of the Lord and her loyalty to her family and state. Robbie never met a stranger; her compassion, kindness, and sense of humor for all would disarm the coldest soul. She never lost her love for all people and her ability to laugh and enjoy life. She always lived life to the fullest, and she never took herself too seriously. It was easy to see her spirituality because she devoted herself so unselfishly to family, friends, and her church and community.

Robbie is survived in death by her daughters, Nancy Todd Pinion and husband, James, of Moulton, Elizabeth Todd Campbell and husband, Andrew, of Birmingham, and Jeanie Todd Tunell and husband, Dennis, of Florence; seven grandchildren, Jamie Pinion Tarence and husband, Zane, Marcy Ann Pinion, Joshua Todd Tunell, Anna Campbell Prum and husband, Nathaniel, Sarah Campbell Seifert and husband, Paul, Andrew Todd Campbell, Ashley Elizabeth Tunell, and five great-grandchildren, Campbell Grace Prum, Emma, Judson, and Ellison Tarence, and Katelyn and Caleb Tunell.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church in Russellville with funeral services at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to A.W. and Robbie Todd Scholarship Fund, Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36849. This fund provides need-based aid to students majoring in agriculture and related studies. It is a fitting legacy for a wonderful woman who lived her life for others.