Merle Rayburn

Merle Rayburn passed away on May 2, 2020. She was born on July 29, 1929, in Quitman to the late James Garbett and to the late Elaine Garbett. On August 27, 1948, she got married to the late James Rayburn, Sr. Merle was a loving wife of 60 years, mother, mema, sister, and good friend. She loved people and was a friend to all she met, but left no doubt that she especially loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, visiting the beach, singing in the church choir, doing word search puzzles, and particularly enjoyed Friday nights under the lights watching “her” Thomasville Bulldogs play ball. Her Sunday afternoons were often spent visiting sick and homebound friends. She enjoyed living at Southern Pines Assisted Living, where she was affectionately known as “Ms. Southern Pines.” In each season of her life, Merle overwhelmingly shared the gifts of love, kindness, gentleness, and joy with every person that she encountered. She was a faithful member of Dawson Street Baptist Church for 70 years, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the church choir, and was a member of the Victory Sunday school class. Survivors include her children Jim Rayburn (Darlene) of Thomasville, Wynelle Rayburn Thomaston (Wade) of Dothan, AL; grandchildren, Wade Thomaston, Jr., Brian Thomaston (Mary), Jonathan Thomaston (Casey), Jeremy Rayburn (Jennifer), William Rayburn, Allison Ponder (Brock); great-grandchildren, Ava Thomaston, Rebecca Thomaston, Sam Thomaston, Lyra Thomaston, Emma Grace Rayburn, Eli Rayburn, Eden Rayburn, Connor Ponder, Sawyer Ponder; great-grandchildren, Sydney McGlasson; siblings, Delores Wallace (Fred), Tempy Bruce (Robert); special-friend, Daisy Jones; and several nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her brothers, James Garbett, Jr., Ernest Garbett, Billy Garbett, Randall Garbett. The family would like to thank Southern Pines and Mitchell County Hospital for the loving care that they showed to our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dawson Street Baptist Church at www.dawsonstreetbaptist.org/giving/ . A private family service will be held that will be recorded and put on www.youtube.com . Friends and family are invited to visit her online memorial tribute page at www.allenfh.com .