WILMINGTON — Mary G. Rabon, 77, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. She was born in Wilmington, NC, on August 19, 1946, the daughter of the late Joseph T. Gore and Florence Whitehurst Gore.
Mary graduated from NHHS in 1964. She attended UNCG and obtained an Associate Degree in Nursing. Following graduation, she worked in the operating room at James Walker Memorial Hospital for one year. She supported the move of patients to the newly constructed New Hanover Memorial Hospital, where she worked in the OR. Following a move to Morristown, TN, Mary was OR Supervisor at Morristown-Hamblem Hospital. Upon returning to Wilmington in 1981, she worked in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit at NHRMC. Mary retired from nursing after 43 years. She also was the business manager for the Rabon’s Farm Greenhouse operation in Winnabow, NC.
While being a Registered Nurse was a great source of pride to Mary, she also enjoyed traveling, especially with the RV, Bible study, listening to gospel music, and collecting treasures and antiques. A natural storyteller, she loved sending cards and sharing long phone calls with friends and family.
Surviving are her devoted care taker husband of over 55 1/2 years, William E. “Bill” Rabon, daughter Mary Beth Rabon and husband, Garth Burrill, son, Will Rabon and wife, Deanna, and grandchildren Violet, Jack, and Ayla Burrill, many nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of precious friends.
A memorial service for Mary will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Pine Valley Methodist Church. Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service. Interment following at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Foundation of Brunswick Community College: Mary Gore Rabon Nursing Scholarship Fund. 50 College Road NE, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Special mention to the kind and loving staff of the Novant Health Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit.
