Melvaline Rabon peacefully passed away on February 14, 2024, in Tallahassee, FL, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born in Midland City, Alabama and spent her early years on the family farm alongside her brother and sisters. When the family relocated to Chattahoochee, she met her beloved husband, Roy S. Rabon Sr. Their marriage took place on January 10, 1950, and they spent the next 40 years by each other’s side.
During her remarkable 37-year career at Florida State Hospital, Melvaline held various roles and left a lasting impact in the cashier’s office and personnel departments. As one never to be idle, she soon took on the roles of bus driver and substitute teacher at Robert F. Munroe Day School for the next 12 years.
Melvaline was a woman of extraordinary strength and independence, affectionately known as “Nana” or “Miss Melvaline” by many in the community. Her renowned 14-layer cakes are still fondly reminisced about. She was a beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Chattahoochee, where she cherished her time with the Dorcas Sunday School Class and the 39ers choir. Melvaline leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless stories of her incredible life. Although her kindness, warmth, and radiant smile will be greatly missed, they will never be forgotten.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Beth Tolar (Gary), son Roy S. “Sam” Rabon Jr. (Yvonne), sisters Earline Johnson and Catherine Taylor, grandchildren Celeste Stewart, Roy S. “Sammy” Rabon III (Lisa), Lori Strickland, Robert “Bobby” Funderburk (Arlene), and Carol Palmer (Harvey Jack), along with 9 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvaline was preceded in death by her husband, Roy S. Rabon Sr., mother Bertie Jerkins, father William Thomas “Bud” Jerkins, brother James Jerkins, sister Martha Ann Sellars, and her precious great-granddaughter, Johanna E. Alsobrook.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM Eastern Time in the chapel of McAlpin Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Chattahoochee, Florida. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Eastern Time at McAlpin Funeral Home.
