Virginia Carol Rabun Garrett

After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Virginia Carol Rabun Garrett, while surrounded by her family, peacefully entered into her eternal rest Thursday afternoon, March 9, 2023 at her home in Wrens. Services to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00PM Sunday afternoon, March 19, 2023 at Wrens United Methodist Church with the Reverends Scott Brenton and Chad Watkins officiating.  A private interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

A lifelong resident of Wrens, Virginia was one of three born to the late Carolyn Atwell Rabun and the late RG Rabun. After graduating in 1971 from Wrens High School, where she was a cheerleader, she worked at Atwell Pecan Company, Old Capitol Inn Nursing Home in Louisville, and the Medical Office of James M. Ford in Wrens as an office manager, retiring after 30+ years of service.  Virginia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and with metastatic breast cancer of the bone in 2009.  She represented Jefferson County as a Survivor Ambassador to the first Celebration on the Hill in Washington DC, as well as served in many capacities with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Jefferson County from 1996 – 2009, and an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Virginia loved listening to gospel music, country music and 70’s music. She was a big-time lover of arts and crafts, and loved decorating for all occasions and holidays.  She was also a very aggressive collector of various memorabilia, including, but not limited to, clowns, Precious Moments, Elvis, Wizard of Oz, and, of course, cancer ribbons. She was known to always wear Alfred Dunner outfits—if it wasn’t Alfred Dunner, she didn’t wear it!  Virginia’s “best time” was with her family and friends.  But more importantly, she was devoted to her Lord and Savior.  Having accepted God’s free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus, at the age of 12, Virginia actively and faithfully served Him at Wrens United Methodist Church where she taught Children’s Sunday School over 40 years, taught MYF, sang in the choir over 40 years, as well as served on numerous committees. It was her faith, determined personality and positive attitude that brought her through her many trials in life.  Virginia was always smiling and laughing—it was a rare occasion to hear her complain about her health or anything else. Knowing her time here on Earth was short, she especially enjoyed being “waited on and pampered” by family and friends the last six weeks of her life.  She absolutely cherished each moment but was also anticipating meeting Jesus face-to-face and being reunited with her family in Heaven.  We celebrate that Virginia is now more alive Heaven, her eternal home, where there are no more tears, no more pain, no more death—only pure joy, peace and love.  A true fighter, she is now a warrior with wings.

Virginia is also preceded in death by her infant son, Bradley Joseph Irby; paternal grandparents, Robert and Addie Cato Rabun; and her maternal grandparents, Royce and Annie Kate Churchill Atwell.  Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter, Shelly Garrett Parker (Patrick); three grandsons, Tucker Parker, Javan Parker and Baylor Parker; two siblings, Frances Rabun Williford (Everett) and James Edward Rabun (Amanda); nieces and nephews, Christi Williford Kosel (Brad), Addie Williford Holzman (Langdon), Jessica Rabun Johns (Andy) and Jamey Rabun (Rachel); great nieces and nephews, Finley Holzman, Arden Holzman, Alexis Farley, Abigail Rabun, Cash Kosel, Harley Kosel, Braden Johns and Jacob Rabun; and other extended family, church family and friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Trinity Hospice and Family Care Inc. for their loving, professional, and compassionate care.

Having dealt with cancer for a very large portion of her life and Virginia’s staunch support of the American Cancer Society, the family strongly urges memorial contributions be made to this amazing charity—locally by mailing a check to 901 Greene Street, Augusta GA 30901; by visiting https://www.donate.cancer.org; or by clicking in the Charitable Section below.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 4:00 – 6:00PM Saturday evening, March 18, 2023.