Joann Rabb

JoAnn Reed Rabb was born on February 11, 1938, in Denver, Colorado. She was the youngest daughter of Joseph Reed and Ethel Hasell Reed. JoAnn was reared in Denver; she received her early education by attending Whittier Elementary, Smiley Junior High School and she graduated from East High School in 1956. She furthered her education by attending Parks Business College in Denver. JoAnn accepted the Lord as her personal savior at a very early age. She joined her family church, Campbell Chapel A.M.E under the pastoralleadership of the late Reverend A.H. Hamilton. She participated in many of the church auxiliaries and created lifelong friendships. She truly enjoyed her walk with the Lord and the fellowship shared with her church family. In 1956, JoAnn, along with 20 other young ladies, was recognized as debutantes by The Owls Club of Denver for their church, community and academic achievements. JoAnn began working for the Public Service Utility Company. In 1962, she met Willie F. Rabb, who was a quality control inspector for The United States Air Force; so began a three year courtship. On December 16, 1965, Willie and JoAnn were united in holy matrimony. Early in their marriage, JoAnn committed to supporting her husbands' military career. She joined the military wives club, as well as accompanied him on his duty assignments transfers. There most memorable tour was being assigned in the South Pacific and the Central Asian Islands. Her husbands' career afforded her an opportunity to travel the world extensively. In 1970, Willie & JoAnn moved to Wichita Falls, Texas. It was there, their beautiful beloved daughter, Diana Lynn was born. Now JoAnn's valiant commitment to her family deepened. In 1972, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado. This was their final move. They built the family home over 40 years ago, that they still live in until this day. In 1978, JoAnn decided to return to the workforce accepting employment with the State of Colorado's Department of Revenue. She excelled in this position because of her love of numbers. She remained in her career until she retired in 2001, after 23 loyal years of service. In 1982, JoAnn made the tough decision to transfer her membership from Campbell Chapel A.M.E Church to Shorter Community A.M.E. Church. Although she was an active member in Shorter, JoAnn never forgot her rooted childhood connection to Campbell. For many years following the passing of her mother, JoAnn would attend Mothers' Day programs there in continued support. JoAnn became very active in her new church. Her love of music drew her to lend her beautiful alto voice to the Shorter A.M.E Choir. She also served as a member of the steward board. Because of her accounting background, she was asked to be a part of the finance committee. In 1990, JoAnn received a special recognition for her role in the completion of Shorter's new sanctuary. She always financially supported the mission of her church. In the 80's, JoAnn's daughter, Diana became her new traveling companion. Their most memorable trips included Australia, 2 cruises, Disney Land and Disney World. JoAnn dedicated her life to ensuring Diana received the best of everything from education to the finer things in life. The two were inseparable. If you saw JoAnn, you saw Diana right beside her. JoAnn had a true unconditional love for Diana. JoAnn's lifelong love of music provided her therapeutic comfort and relief during her final years as she struggled with her series of health challenges. You could always find JoAnn tapping her foot and moving her head to a full range of music including the gospel sounds of Mahalia Jackson or the smooth grooves of Ramsey Lewis. Music seemed to always soothe her soul. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this Queen of a Woman. To know JoAnn was to love her. JoAnn Rabb departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on August 4, 2013, in Decatur, Georgia. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her loving and devoted husband of 47 years, Willie F. Rabb of Denver; her daughter, Dr. Diana L. Rabb (Willie Toy, Sr.) of Decatur, GA; her step mother, Blanche M. Reed; 1 brother, Shelwyn J. Reed of Denver; 2 sisters, Shirley L. Robinson of Denver and Sheila D. (Richard) High of Centennial; 3 god children, Jeffrey K. McMillan, Terry A. Boyd, both of Denver, Capt. Janelle L. (Peter) Cox, Elgin, OK; and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 8/12/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 8/13/2013 at 11:00 AM - Shorter Community AME Church - 3100 Richard Allen Court, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 8/13/2013 - Staging Area A Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO