Alpha Mae Raborn

Alpha Mae Dement Raborn finally made the trip home she has so often spoke of lately. Born on October 06, 1926, Alpha passed into the arms of her loving God, while sleeping, on June 06, 2024. She was 97 ½ years old. We can only dream that her husband, Wiley Benard Raborn, Sr. was waiting on her with open arms. And standing there with him would be her parents, Ephraim and Garnet Shelby Dement, her siblings Leon Dement (Janice), Nelwyn Courtney (Alvin) and Dugan Newman (Sam).

Alpha is survived by her three children: Alpha Lydia Cook, Wiley Benard Raborn, Jr. and Michael Austin Raborn (Cathy). She is also the the proud grandmother to Youndy Cook, Johnnie Cook, Michelle Raborn, Christopher Raborn (Rosie) and Adam Raborn (Christina), Matthew Raborn and Molly Heyne (Christopher). She is especially proud of her great grandchildren: Mia Mutz Simonsen (Alex) , Tyler Cook, Austin Cook, Gaby Akkar, Zoe Raborn, Grayson Heyne, Emerson Heyne, Landon Heyne, Colton Heyne and Hudson Heyne and thrilled beyond belief to be the great great grandmother to Layla Mae Simonsen and Josephine Nicole SImonsen. She is also survived by her youngest brother Herbert H “Spud” DeMent (Julie) and nieces and nephews.

Alpha was born in Haughton LA moving to Baton Rouge in her teen years and graduating from Istrouma High School. She worked at Sears and Roebucks until our Dad returned from WWII

She and Dad both graduated from the Buddy Benz School of Floral Design in Houston. They operated Raborn’s Florist for several years and maintained their licenses longer in order to continue “doing weddings and parties”. She was also co-owner of the Needle Quarters.

Alpha is known for her cooking and baking and a feisty attitude that brought many a smile

during our joyful and entertaining gatherings. Alpha was a devout Christian and longtime member of University Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Central #23 Order of the Eastern Star.

The hole left in our hearts will be filled with the fond memories we developed over the years that will bring a warmth to our souls and a smile to our faces until it is our turn to go home, too.

The family would like to thank Southside Gardens Assisted Living and Audubon Home Health Care for their generosity, kindness and patience.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 10th at University Baptist Church, located at 5775 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA from 12PM to 1PM; with service beginning at 1PM. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park on North Street immediately after the service. A reception will be held at University Baptist Church Chapel.