Nora Kay Muse Robertson
January 24, 1942 to July 27, 2024

Nora Kay Muse Robertson, age 82, of Gray, TN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at her home while she was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on January 24, 1942, in Baton Rouge, LA, and was the oldest child and only daughter of the late Edward K. and Mary Kathryn Eskridge Muse of Freeport, IL.

Nora graduated from Freeport High School in Freeport, IL, in 1960, and graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, in 1965, with degrees in Chemistry and Biology.

She met her husband of 61 years, Floyd Grover Robertson, while they both attended Bradley University. They were married on June 1, 1963, in Nora’s parents’ home in Freeport, IL. The newly married couple honeymooned at Cumberland Falls, KY, then returned to Springfield, IL, where Nora finished her Medical Technology training at St. Johns’ Hospital. When Floyd took a job with ITT Telecommunications in 1965, they moved to Milan, TN, where Nora worked at Cedar Crest Hospital in Humboldt, TN, as a laboratory technician and later as the laboratory supervisor. In 1978, they moved with their young family to Gray, TN, and Nora worked as the laboratory supervisor at Northside Hospital in Johnson City. When the hospital closed, she worked successively at the Red Cross Blood Services, ETSU Genealogy Lab, and Medex Laboratory. She retired from the healthcare industry in 1997.

Nora was a lifelong learner and enjoyed auditing classes at East Tennessee State University. It was here that Nora developed her passion and talents for making pottery. Over the years, she created beautiful and useful ceramic bowls, plates, bird houses, etc., many of which she has given to family or continues to be used in her home.
Nora loved to travel and visited 13 countries and all 50 states (49 of them in a motor home). She enjoyed learning about the history, culture, and traditions of the places they visited. Each winter, they drove the motorhome to Zachary, LA, to be near family and friends, and enjoy the warmer weather and Mardi Gras parades.

Nora was an active member of Gray United Methodist Church since 1979, attending Sunday School classes, participating in the Lively Ladies, helping make apple butter which the church sold to support its ministries, and delivering Meals on Wheels for 21 years. Floyd continues to attend Gray UMC and is thankful for the love and support of the church community during this time.

In addition to church interests, Nora volunteered at the Johnson City Animal Shelter, fostering several litters of kittens. She adopted two cats herself and rescued a stray which wandered to her home. She also was an advocate for the environment, driving electric vehicles, using reusable shopping bags, and recycling.

Nora is survived by her husband of 61 years, Floyd Robertson, her three children Jeanette Kay Bush (Jeffrey) of Centreville, VA, Jeffrey Floyd Robertson (Laura Glaser) of Washington, D.C., and Jeremy Muse Robertson (Rita Droste), of Jamaica Plain, MA, four grandchildren Sydney Kathryn Bush Randell, Allison Marie Bush, Meredith Claire Robertson, Elise Kathryn Robertson, her brother, Kirk Muse and wife Alita, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Gray United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:30 p.m. with Pastor Aaron Atchley officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter (3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601) or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to thank Caris Healthcare Hospice for their loving care during Nora’s final days.

Condolences may be sent to the Robertson family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821