Roberta Pauline "Bobbie" Eblen

roberta eblen

October 19, 1927 ~ May 1, 2024

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Our beloved Baba, Roberta Pauline “Bobbie” Eblen, 96, passed away May 1, 2024, at home with family. The matriarch of a diverse family, she quietly inspired and supported all our endeavors. Bobbie and her husband Joe owned and operated Biltmore Oil Company and Eblen Short Stop Stores for many years. She participated actively in Western North Carolina community philanthropy.

A gentle and loving presence, she is survived by her children, Dr. Anna Eblen, Paul “Rock” Eblen, and Jennie Eblen; as well as grandchildren, Mario Popish, Amanda Barnard, Dr. James Perkins, Jewel Tavener, Maggie Perkins, Samantha Goff, and Dr. Patrick Perkins; 11 great-grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. Baba was preceded in death by husband, Joe, and daughter, Margie.

Born in Asheville to Geraldine and Paul Simmons on October 19, 1927, Bobbie grew up, along with sister Jeanne, in Kenilworth, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. From an early age, she delighted in nature, pets, books, and a warm extended family. She enjoyed traveling near and far, with childhood visits along the east coast from Massachusetts to Georgia. Later in life, she and Joe toured the beautiful US and amazing places all around the world.

She attended St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines, David Millard Junior High, and graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School, Class of 1944. Bobbie also studied at Thomas Edison College, Ft. Myers, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Bobbie was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and drew strength from her faith. A founding member of Women for Women giving circle and a long-time supporter of the YWCA, she was committed to furthering opportunities for women and girls. She supported organizations building better lives for others, including Habitat for Humanity. Her philanthropy included environmental organizations, as well as educational ones like Buncombe Partnership for Children, Verner and Western Washington University. She contributed to animal welfare programs and adopted many well-loved rescue dogs and cats. Bobbie and her daughter Jennie received the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County 2021 Tocqueville Society Community Service Award.

The family would like to thank the kind and loving people who provided Baba’s care, especially the extraordinary women providing home care and the staff of MemoryCare and of CarePartners Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with graveside rites following at approximately 12:30 p.m., at Lewis Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the YWCA or Eblen Charities.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.

Services

Funeral Service: May 6, 2024 11:00 am

Grace Episcopal Church
871 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804


Burial: May 6, 2024 12:30 pm

Lewis Memorial Park
415 Beaverdam Road
Asheville, NC 28804

(828)252-5081

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Guestbook

  1. So sorry for your loss. Such a lovely woman. She was so good to us (Anna’s class of 1965).

  2. Mrs.Eblen lived a long life, devoted to her husband, children and her faith . She and Joe gave back to the community they loved starting their Eblen Charities with a yard sale! Jenny continues at the helm where many of us volunteered.
    Upon the death of our father, Dr. James T. Littlejohn, we donated to The Eblen Charities in behalf of older individuals in need.
    The generosity of the Eblen family continues to improve the lives of Buncombe county residents and more. Sending my prayers to the family.

  3. My condolences to Bobbie’s family and friends. She was a classy lady whose contributions to our community were significant. She lived a long life and made a positive impact on many people.

  4. She certainly had a great life and her family did so much for the community. My condolences to Anna and to the rest of the families.

  5. Dear Eblen’s,
    What a wonderful wife and mother your family was blessed with. She was a wonderful example I to all that knew her. She will be missed by many.

  6. I am so sorry to learn of her death. I remember her as so sweet and kind when I was at the Eblen home during high school. My condolences to Anna and all the family.


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