Reba Walker Torbert

Reba Torbert was born June 1, 1925 in the eastern part of Chatham County to Colbert William Walker and Pallie Parrish Walker. Her father in the lumber business and owned a sawmill, while her mother was a housewife and mother. Reba had two sisters, Hilda Estelle and Gladys Jane.

Her family moved to Pittsboro in 1927. She attended Pittsboro School from 1st-11th grades. She graduated 11th grade in 1943.

She began working for the Agriculture Adjustment Agency (AAA) as a secretary while still in high school which she continued until 1945. From there, she worked for JM Manufacturing Company in Pittsboro.

In 1944, Reba met Joseph Tankard Torbert at a USO dance in Sanford. She dated him for 10 months while he was stationed at Ft. Bragg prior to his six-month tour overseas. After his return, they married (May 19, 1946).

Two boys were born to Reba and Joe (Arnold and Rick). Reba stayed home to raise the boys until late 1959. At that time, she went to work with Chatham County School System. She remained in the school system for almost 30 years before retiring in 1989.

In 1989, Rick married Mary Lou and they had a son in 1991. Richard was Reba’s first grandchild.

In 2002, Arnold married Melissa and brought a granddaughter, April to the family.

Reba has been a member of Pittsboro United Methodist Church since 1935. In addition to attending regularly, over the years she has sung in the choir, taught classes, and been a bookkeeper.

Reba thanks God for a good sound life and for having good people in her life.

She says God has blessed her. She has certainly been a blessing to all of us.

A private graveside will be held due to the circumstances of COVID-19.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Reba’s memory to Pittsboro United Methodist Church Cemetery General Fund P.O. Box 716 Pittsboro, NC 27312.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Torbert family.