Emily C Rabren

Emily C. Rabren, at 100 years old and surrounded by family, left this earth to enter her Eternal Home on December 4, 2023. She will be remembered as a true Southern Lady who loved The Lord and lived her Christian faith by example. What a feat it was to live an entire century! Emily was celebrated in a special way when she reached this milestone. Many family members gathered and long time friends shared birthday wishes and remembrances via personal videos. This became her “living” memorial service as the people she loved shared with her the impact she made on their lives. The celebration also included her favorites, Dr. Pepper and chocolate covered cherries. It was such a blessing to acknowledge her life’s accomplishments and the many lives who were touched by Emily. We don’t know if these favorite treats contributed to her longevity, but she often referenced that she heard of a lady who lived to 103 drinking a small Dr. Pepper a day! Emily C. Rabren was born on July 24, 1923, to Eugene Clifton Cooner & Lucille Grace Cooner in Montgomery, AL. Emily had 5 wonderful siblings who all have preceded her in death. Most notably, she had a twin sister, Evelyn, with whom she shared a special bond until her passing at age 94. During her years in Montgomery, Emily and Evelyn became the first Majorettes at Sidney Lanier High School and marched in a variety of local parades. She was a counselor at Ridgecrest Camp for Girls in North Carolina during her teenage years. While working for the Veterans Administration offices in Montgomery, AL, she met Wilton “Bill” Rabren, who she married in 1948. They began married life in Tuscaloosa, AL, while Bill attended The University of Alabama School of Law. In 1953, they settled down in Columbiana, AL. Emily and Bill called Columbiana home for over 60 years, became active members in the community, and raised two children, Lynn and Rebecca. Emily was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Columbiana. In 1956 when her son, Lynn, turned three, she began teaching the Three Year Old Sunday School Class and continued that role for the next 53 years. During this time, “Miss Emily” instilled the Love of God and the stories of The Bible in several generations of children. She made a point to follow many of her students throughout their lives, offering guidance and support as they grew up. For 18 years, Emily was the Executive Director of The American Red Cross of Shelby County and retired in 1988. She showed her compassion, kindness, and Christian love through her work with those in need. She was just the person to comfort people as they endured various hardships. She was a loving “Grandmommy” to two grandchildren, Anna Grace and Evan. She was a strong influence on them from an early age, teaching them unconditional love, patience, and humility. They will forever cherish the memories they made with their beloved Grandmommy. Emily is survived by her children and their spouses, Lynn Rabren (Beth) of Fairhope, AL, daughter, Rebecca Blackman (Dan) of Hoover, AL; grandchildren, Anna Grace Green (Jacob) of Panama City Beach, FL and Evan Blackman (Amanda) of Dallas, TX, as well as a number of precious nieces and nephews. Emily is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Judge Wilton “Bill” Rabren, her parents and siblings and her nephew, Gregory “Gregg” Steven Rushton. Services will be held Friday, December 8th at First Baptist Church of Columbiana. Visitation is at 11:00am, followed by the funeral service at 12:00pm. Following the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Pineawn Gardens. Pallbearers: Dan Blackman, Evan Blackman, Jim Davis, Jacob Green, Rob McLeroy, Lynn Rabren. The family would like to thank the numerous staff members of South Haven Health and Rehab, LLC, and ProHealth Hospice for their dedicated caregivers, Lindsey, Ashley and Robbie and to Nikkole with Comfort Care. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to The Children’s Fund, at First Baptist Church of Columbiana would be appropriate to continue the mission of sharing the love of Christ with children in the church. Address: 208 N. Main Street, Columbiana, AL 35051 Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.

Emily C Rabren

July 24, 1923 - December 4, 2023