The passing of Robin Elaine Winton has left a void at The Cullman Tribune and in the hearts of all who knew her. For over 30 years, Robin served this newspaper with dedication, expertise and an unmatched work ethic. She single-handedly kept The Tribune running during a critical five-year period before Dustin Isom and I purchased it in 2016.
Robin was more than just part of The Tribune; she was the backbone of this operation. She had a remarkable ability to build relationships with people from all walks of life, earning her the respect and admiration of everyone she encountered. “Ms. Robin,” as we all called her, was a title she truly earned. Her presence commanded respect, not because she demanded it, but because she lived it.
In her absence over the last six weeks, we’ve come to realize just how much she did behind the scenes. The tasks she made look effortless have required all of us to step in and share the workload. Despite our collective efforts, it has been a daunting challenge to fill her shoes. She had a system — a way of keeping everything running smoothly that was uniquely her own.
On a personal note, not having Robin around has been incredibly difficult for me. I am deeply saddened by her passing and hold her daughter in my thoughts during this challenging time.
My partner Dustin Isom, co-owner and associate publisher, summed up her impact perfectly: “Losing Robin is like losing part of the soul of The Cullman Tribune. For over 30 years Robin kept the paper running nearly by herself with unmatched dedication and without a single complaint. Her dedication is unsurpassed, and she will be dearly missed by all of us at The Tribune.”
Robin’s influence extended far beyond the walls of our office. Tribune reporter Craig Mann wrote a heartfelt tribute: “Ms. Robin was calm amidst our hyperactivity, organized amidst our chaos, refined amidst our baseness and profanity, courteous to all who entered or called our office (including the complainers). Her kind is rare in this day and, while her empty seat will be filled and her tasks passed on, she will not be replaced.”
Former Tribune reporter Cayla Grace Murphy-Carnes shared, “Ms. Robin was the best. Praying for her rest and her daughter.”
Robin Elaine Winton, 67, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on Dec. 24, 2024, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. Born on Jan. 9, 1957, in Anchorage, Alaska, to Dorothy Smith and Air Force Sergeant James Harold Winton, Robin made Cullman her home, graduating from Cullman High School and Wallace State Community College. She devoted decades to the newspaper business, working with both The Cullman Times and The Cullman Tribune.
Robin was an avid reader, loved animals and cherished time spent with her family and friends. She was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, where her faith was a cornerstone of her life.
She is survived by her daughter Samantha Vest, brother Byron Winton, nephew Tyler Earwood and wife Katherine, nephews Trenton Earwood and Adam Neatherton, niece Trinity Earwood, great-niece Harper Grace Earwood and former brother-in-law Tim Earwood.
The family will hold a service to honor Robin on Jan. 2, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama. Visitation will begin at noon, with the service to follow at 2 p.m.
Robin’s absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy of dedication, kindness and grace will continue to inspire those of us fortunate enough to have worked with her.
Rest in peace, Ms. Robin. You were truly one of a kind.
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