Ruby Jean Mabe

Ruby Jean Mabe, 73, passed away on March 16th, 2020, at Grace Healthcare in Abingdon, VA. She was born on February 5th, 1947, in Taylor's Valley, VA where she resided for 64 years. Jean was outgoing and knew no stranger. She had a natural ability to make friends and enjoyed getting to know people. She was very proud to be part of the Taylor's Valley community and one of her fondest memories was making apple butter in the fall with her neighbors. Jean was a lifelong member of Taylor's Valley Christian Church and loved being with her church family. She also loved to be outdoors and could be found tending her vegetable garden in the summer. When she went to live at Grace Healthcare, her love of community continued. She could often be found in the activities room listening to music or out on the patio enjoying the sunshine with her friends. Jean had recently served as President of the Resident Council at the facility and continued as long as her health allowed. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Fred Millard Barr and Verna Richardson Barr; her husband of 43 years, Fred Carroll Mabe; brothers, Earl Baxter Barr and Paul Luther Barr; and sister, Joyce Barr Wallace. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila M. Thomas and partner, Tim Read of Lebanon, VA; granddaughter, Amanda Thomas Helton and husband, David, of Bristol, VA; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Simcox Barr of Mountain City, TN, Thelma Mabe Greer and husband Stacy, of Taylor's Valley, VA, and Gloria Barr, of Opelika, AL; cousin, James Richardson of Taylor's Valley, VA; cousin, Ford Richardson of Damascus, VA; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Grace Healthcare for their compassion in caring for Jean during her time at the facility, as well as the hospice team that helped make her final days peaceful and comfortable. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Garrett Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM Saturday in the Riverview Chapel at Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus, VA with Pastor Maurice Widener and Pastor Junior Gobble officiating. The committal service and interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus, VA. Pallbearers will be Tim Read, Roger Morrison, Hunter Morrison, Tony Wallace, Ford Richardson, and David Helton. Donations may be made in Jean's memory to Taylor's Valley Christian Church, P.O. Box 143, Damascus, VA 24236. Flowers are also welcome. Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Mrs. Mabe and her family are in the care of Garrett Funeral Home 203 N. Shady Ave., Damascus, VA 24236; ph.#(276) 475-3631.Read Obituary