Mary Kooker Rabb

Mary Kooker Rabb was born in Jacksonville, Florida March 30th 1929 to V. Roy Kooker and Gertrude Rembert Kooker. She graduated with honors from the University of Florida, where she also found the love of her life Leslie Rabb. They married in 1951. Leslie became a Methodist Pastor, and Mary committed herself to being a devoted partner and served others as Director for the Volunteering Action Center, Fort Meyers Florida and as a Guardian ad Litem to children. Mary was instrumental in founding a program with the United Methodist Children’s Home which helps young adults at age 18 transition to independence with shelter, counseling and other community services.

Mary was a gifted watercolor artist, humorist and poet. She also composed lullabies and Christmas hymns. She was a wonderful mother to three daughters. Mary was a member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church and her husband Rev. Leslie Rabb continues to be active in the church. They were married for 73 wonderful years.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband Leslie Rabb. Together they nurtured a loving family that includes their daughters Rebecca Anne Powels, Mary Helen Sutherland and her husband Zen, Carolyn Jeanne Ziegler and her husband Hamish. Mary’s legacy will also live on through her seven grandsons, Josh Simons, Jesse Azis, Alex Azis, Nigel Haddad, Justin Ruggles, Nathan Ruggles and Tyler Ruggles. Additionally, she was blessed with nine great grandchildren: Aiden, Ian, Logan, Emily, Marlo, Genevieve, Emerson, Solomon and Keira Louise. She is further survived by her nieces, Carol Collins, Mary Elizabeth Gaut and Susan Moseley. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Gertrude Collins and Marjorie Doyle.

Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary’s spirit of compassion and dedication to her family and community will remain an inspiration to those she leaves behind.

A service to celebrate her life will be held Tuesday, September 2nd at 3:30 at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 71 Beaverdam Road, Asheville, NC 28804. A small reception will follow.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Rabb family.