I Laughed, I Cried

Several months ago, my D.C. brother-in-law (at our request) started sending us "Daily Dose" emails. Each one features a YouTube video of a comedian. Most are stand-up routines, although there are a few sketches and SNL snippets.

Used by permission:
JeanneRobertson.com

The humorist who quickly became one of our favorites was Jeanne Robertson, who  told stories about her life and her family. In particular, she talked about her husband, Jerry, whom she referred to as "Left Brain" and her son, Bailey (aka "Beaver").

We found out recently that Ms. Robertson passed away in August at the age of 77, two months after her husband (he was 83). 

Admittedly, I feel a bit cheated that we didn't know about Jeanne Robertson sooner. On the plus side, her comedy lives on, thanks to YouTube. (The internet isn't all bad.)

Although I learned a lot about Ms. Robertson from her videos, I thought I'd do my thing on the google and get the whole scoop.

In addition to being a humorist, Jeanne Flinn Swanner Robertson accomplished much during her time here:

    • Miss America North Carolina 1963 (also Miss Congeniality)

    • Basketball Player & Graduate, Auburn University 1967

    • Physical Education Teacher

    • Professional Speaker

    • Author of Three Books

    • Producer of Four Videos

    • Benefactor of Elan University (along with Left Brain)

As to her personal life, from which she garnered much of her humorous material, she married her first husband in 1965 with whom she had her son, Bailey Bowline. The couple divorced in the early 1970s, and she married Jerry Robertson in 1974. Ms. Robertson has two grandchildren.

In researching this article, I found more nuggets of her appearances, including a very recent podcast and an interview she did with her son, during which they told a hilarious story about chicken parts he locked in the trunk of his car.

I'm sad that Jeanne Robertson won't be sharing any new stories. Her gentle wit has been a refreshing change from some of the raunchier, mean-spirited comedians that have come down the pike. 

Thanks, YouTube, for keeping her spirit alive.