Robin Whyte Hoffman

Robin Whyte Hoffman was born March 2, 1946, in Miami, Florida to parents Nelson L. Whyte and Beverly B. Whyte.

As a child, Robin was a caring and loving sister to Colin, Bridget and Kim. She ventured into an early modeling career with her siblings, which included a multitude of magazine advertisements and television commercials – the most popular being an ad for Nabisco in which she was riding a horse, but traded the horse for a package of Oreo cookies. This was a family favorite that always generated laughter!

Robin graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1964 where she was active in Service Clubs and the Cadette Corps. Post-secondary education included: the University of Florida from1964-1966, where she was a Sister in the Delta, Delta, Delta sorority. Robin transferred to Oglethorpe University in 1966, where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She continued her educational career, earning a Master of Education in Education Administration and Supervision in 1977 and her Doctor of Psychology degree in Vocational Leadership in 1983, successively from Georgia State University, and all the while raising her daughters and step sons.

Robin met the love of her life, Thomas Robert Hoffman, in Atlanta, Georgia in the fall of 1970. It was a serendipitous encounter, which began with dinner and dancing and ended at Stone Mountain Park as the sun was rising, with Thomas proposing. They were married the very next year on June 12, 1971 and spent nearly 48 adventurous and magical years together.

Her professional career began as a Medical Technologist, but soon evolved into her lifelong calling, higher education – commencing with her first role as Education Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Technology, at DeKalb Technical College in the Occupational Division. Over the years, Robin’s dedication to higher education, and specifically DeKalb Technical College, earned her promotional roles within the institution which included Dean of Instruction, Vice President of Instruction; and eventually President of the college, before retiring in 2011.

During her tenure at DeKalb Technical College, Robin also directed the institution’s initiatives surrounding accreditation and reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) – for which organization she also served as both Member and Chair of Reaffirmation Committees for over 25 years. These experiences served her well following her retirement as President from Georgia Piedmont Technical College (formerly DeKalb Technical College) and prepared her for her subsequent career with SACSCOC until she retired again in 2017. In recognition of her years of service and contributions to SACSCOC and higher education, Robin was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 2007.

Robin’s career was dedicated to serving the community and its constituents. She served on the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Atlanta Metropolitan Regional Educational Service Agency Board of Control, and the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). She regularly presented at various workshops and Annual Meetings for SACSCOC and was described as a “warm and welcoming” colleague who could command a room.

Robin’s attributes were consistent both personally and professionally. She was kind and fair in life. She was extraordinarily generous and respected. She loved and cared for her family above all else. Her husband and daughters were the center of her universe. Her sister Kim was her best friend. Tiny but mighty, Robin was her daughters’ biggest cheerleaders and supported their dreams and aspirations without question. She traveled the world with her husband, Thomas. Paris and Lucerne were some of their favorite trips. In 2018, Robin didn’t think twice when she moved to Houston, Texas, donating her stem cells to save her sister Kim’s life.

Robin was the epitome of class, intelligence, and integrity. Kind, loving, and devoted, she was a true friend who was always supportive regardless of circumstances. She was “your graceful champion”. Robin’s positive spirit, dynamic personality, sense of humor, and commitment to family and friends will be more than missed. She is irreplaceable.

Robin was an avid supporter of St. Jude Hospital for Children and Society of Humane Friends. Her many beloved rescue dogs brought her so much joy.

Robin Whyte Hoffman is survived by:

• Daughter Rachel Ommundson Devlin, spouse Phillip Devlin; Grandsons Liam and Gannon Devlin, and Granddaughter Ella Devlin, of Madison, Georgia

• Daughter Kimberly Robin Cortez, spouse Ricardo Cortez; Grandsons Carson and Cooper Cortez, of Tampa, Florida

• Daughter Heather Townsley Hoffman of Conyers, Georgia

• Brother Colin D. Whyte of Palm Coast, Florida and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts;

Nieces Alison Thompson and Hillary Moore, and Nephew Miles Whyte

• Sister Bridget Davenport, spouse Richard Cary Davenport; Nieces Veronika and Irena

Davenport, of Boone, North Carolina

• Sister Kimberly Whyte-Sloane, spouse Phillip Sloane, of Madison, Georgia; Nephew

Peter Sloane of New York City, New York

• Stepson’s Craig and Dustin Hoffman of Lilburn and Lawrenceville, Georgia

Her parents Nelson and Beverly Whyte, predeceased Robin, as well as her loving husband Thomas Hoffman in 2019. The family is comforted knowing they are rejoicing together in Heaven.

John 16:22 Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Robin to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

262 Danny Thomas Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Or

Society of Humane Friends

PO Box 667

Dacula, GA 30019