Abbie Darcey Tabor

Abbie was born in Cherrydale, Virginia on March 2, 1930, daughter of Emily S. (Purvis) and William Raymond Darcey. The family moved to Tampa, FL in 1957 and relocated to Brooksville, FL in 1976.

As a mother of eight children, she tirelessly worked multiple occupations to support the family's income. She was employed by Honeywell for over 10 years. When most of the children were on their own, she pursued her passion. While working full-time and attending Brewster Technical College Night school and completed her Associates and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree at the age of 45.

As a LPN, she worked at Tampa General Hospital and University Community Hospital in Tampa; followed by Lykes Memorial Hospital and Lykes Brothers in Brooksville.

Upon retirement, she volunteered as a Campground Hostess at a Mississippi State Park, an AARP Educational Driver Trainer, and a Hospice Respite Care worker.

Abbie was devoted to her family near and far and travelled extensively across the country to stay in touch. As a great lover of animals, she enjoyed the company of numerous dogs and cats throughout her life.

Besides her first husband, Audrey (Ben) Turpin (1987), she is predeceased by her second husband, Warren (Bill) Tabor (1999); her son, Dennis Turpin (1966); her parents; her brother, Millard Darcey and sister, Elizabeth Ponton; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Dale Turpin.

Abbie is survived by her beloved sons, Donald and wife Peggy, Glen and wife Patti, Gary and wife Laura, Gerald, and son, number 6 and his wife; her daughters, Sharon Sharp and husband Steve and Patricia Graves and husband Ronald. Additionally, she was the matriarch to 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Abbie will be fondly remembered as a joyful, loving spirit who was friendly to all and a stranger to none.

Friends and family are invited to Merritt Funeral Home (2 South Lemon Avenue, Brooksville, FL) on October 3, 2025 from 2:00-3:00pm for Visitation Hour. Services will begin at 3:00pm. Private Burial services will be at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, Tampa, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Abbie's honor to the Sturgill Hospice House, HPH Hospice, 12254 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601.