Rachel Trent Tabb

Rachel "Raye" Trent Tabb died peacefully at age 98 at the home of her daughter, Ann. Rachel was born in Campbell County, Virginia on December 17, 1918, to Reverend David Gilliam and Edna Maddox Trent. After graduating from Botetourt County High School, Raye earned her nursing license (RN) at Elizabeth Buxton Hospital Nursing Program (1940). Shortly after beginning her nursing career, she met the love of her life, John Tabb, and they were married in 1941. Raye and John moved to Richmond where he attended pharmacy school and during that time, she pursued one of her most fulfilling jobs by caring for the World War II veterans at McGuire Veterans Hospital. Subsequently, the family moved to Williamsburg where Raye dedicated her life to raising her two sons and triplet daughters. Raye re-entered the work force as a school nurse in York County Public Schools, retiring in 1981. Raye has been a devoted member of Williamsburg UMC since 1951, serving as a Sunday school teacher, as a member of various committees, and as an active member of UMW. She was a past member of the Olive Casey Circle and current member of Jean Craig Circle. She was a lifetime member of the Fellowship Sunday School class. Raye's long and active life centered on family, friends, and her church. Her life of caring for others was rooted in her deep faith and belief that her purpose in life was to serve, not to be served. Raye is preceded in death by her husband, John (1998), as well as her five brothers, Lawrence, Irvin, Thelbert (Tim), Eran (Ran), David Trent, and sister, Elizabeth Marshall. She is survived by two sons, John M. Tabb, Jr. (Toni), of Moyock, NC, William Tabb (Vanessa Watson) of Kitty Hawk, NC, Ann Perkins (Harvey) of Yorktown, VA, Elizabeth Kitts of Lakewood, CO, and Peggy Tabb (Scott Richardson) of Williamsburg, VA. She is also survived by four grandsons, John M. Tabb III (Jessica), Christopher and Benjamin Perkins, and William Kitts. A great joy in Raye's later years was to meet her great-grandson, John Marshall Tabb, IV. Also preceding her in death was a dear companion, Lenny Legualt. Memorials may be made to the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 514 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation for the six years of loving care given by Rona, Jamie, Shelley, and Pat. A celebration of Raye's life will take place Friday, March 24th, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Friends and family are invited to a reception following the service in the fellowship hall. Private interment will follow in the Memorial Garden. Arrangements by Nelsen Funeral Home, and condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.