Roberta Leigh Andrews

Published 5:05 am Saturday, October 13, 2018

We recently lost a beloved member of our Manteo Outer Banks Family. Roberta Leigh Andrews, known as “Little Leigh,” born January 6, 1937 and she died peacefully on September 22, 2018.  She lived on the Outer Banks for 35 years and has made a huge impact on our community and will live in our hearts forever.

Leigh served in the Unites States Navy as a Lieutenant.  She was a graduate of the Buffalo General School of Nursing and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Richmond Professional Institute.  She was the Director of the In-Service Nursing in Wilson, North Carolina.  Leigh went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Nursing Science at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  Leigh became an Adjunct Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  She followed as Director of Clinical Nursing Education and Development at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  Leigh was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.  Not only did she sail on the First Inaugural Voyage of the Friends of the Elizabeth II, she also served as the President.

Her smile and kindness was infectious.  Leigh had a love for cats.  She was our friend and was always there for anyone who needed an open heart or just someone to listen.  Some people are one in a million and Leigh was a once in a lifetime friend, mentor and advisor that will be deeply missed by all the lives she has touched.   Her love for music and dancing was known by all who knew her.  When the music started Leigh was on the dance floor.  Oh how she loved to dance.

Leigh is survived by her sister, Barbara Kay Phinebeck of Rochester, New York.  Along with nieces Kimm and Joe Wesley, Sharon and Mike Gass, Jenn and the late Bill Mahoney and nephew, Bob Leuhm all of Rochester, New York.  In addition:  two great-great nieces, eight great-nieces and 10 great-nephews, along with three other nieces and one nephew.

No doubt she’s somewhere playing golf, surf fishing and having a scotch with a big smile on her face; not to mention waiting for UNC basketball to begin.  You have left us with so many cherished memories they will last forever.  God keep and bless you Little Leigh.

Dance on our sweet friend Dance on.

Come celebrate the Life of Little Leigh on October 28, 2018 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Poor Richards in Manteo, North Carolina