Jean Ivey Rabun

McDuffie County

Jean Ivey Rabun entered into rest at her home on November 26, 2021.  Born in Opelika, Alabama on May 9, 1936, she moved to Thomson with her family during her sophomore year in high school where she met her future husband of almost 60 years, Robert Leon “Bob” Rabun, Jr.  She graduated from Decatur High School in 1954, and she and Bobby were married in Decatur, Georgia on June 19, 1955.  Jean attended business classes at the Atlanta division of University of Georgia, was secretary to the Chairman of the Business Education Department at the University and went from there to work in the office of Ben Fortson, State of Georgia Secretary of State. Following her husband’s graduation from Georgia Tech in 1956, the couple made their home in Thomson.  Jean was a devoted wife and mother who poured her time, talents, and energy into her family. She was part-time bookkeeper for McDuffie County Builders Supply and became Secretary/Treasurer when the company became Rabun Lumber Company.  Jean participated in the Thomson Twirlers Square Dance Group, bridge groups, church circles, and organizations that supported schools, scouts, and youth recreation.  Other personal interests included reading, writing personal letters, finding unique home décor and design ideas, owning and showing Collies, and doing genealogy research.

She was predeceased by her parents, Julian Cannon Ivey and Emily Barnes Ivey, brother Robert Barnes Ivey and her husband Robert Leon “Bob” Rabun, Jr.  She is survived by her five children, Robert L. “Bob” Rabun, III (Donna), Julie Rabun Gerlach (Gene), Daniel Ivey Rabun (Lynn), Gina Rabun McHatton (Raymond), Lisa Rabun Spivey (Scott); a brother William Julian Ivey (Francie); grandchildren, Lauren Rabun Webb (Tyler), Geoffrey Gerlach (Chasie), Allison Gerlach, Beth Gerlach, Chance Rabun, Levi Rabun, Heather McHatton Dunham (Jason), Matt McHatton (Molly), Amber Spivey, Mason Spivey, and Walker Spivey; and great-grandchildren, Ella Michael Gerlach, Eli Gerlach, Edy Gray Gerlach, Abe Dunham and Alden Dunham. 

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens, Thomson, Georgia with Rev. Louis Miller, officiating.  The family will receive friends at the graveside following the service.  Please visit www.beggsfuneralhome.net to sign the family’s personal guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 106 SRP Drive, Evans, GA  30809; Manna of Thomson, P. O. Box 295, Thomson, GA  30824; or the Clarke County Alabama Historical Society,  P. O. Box 388, Grove Hill, AL  36451.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Jean Ivey Rabun.

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