Jeanne Rathburn

Asheville - Atha Jeanne Brooks Rathburn, 82, passed away Saturday, August 2, 2008 at her home. Mrs. Rathburn was born March 10, 1926 in Haywood County to the late William Curtis and Myrtle Patton Brooks. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Rathburn; sisters: Hazel Brooks Smith, Ruth Brooks Rotowitz, and Gennell Topsy Tate; and brothers: Jack, Aldon and Harold Brooks. Mrs. Rathburn was a graduate of Woodfin School, and worked for Ford Motor Company in Charlotte, US Air Weather Services in Asheville, and retired from Cemex, formerly Metromont Materials of Asheville. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Mrs. Rathburn loved children and animals, and leaves behind her precious dog, Missy. Surviving are her son, G. David Rathburn and wife Joan of High Point; daughter, Susan Rathburn Hammond of Asheville; step-son, Bob Rathburn, Jr. and wife Irene of Piedmont, MO; grandson, Josh Rathburn and granddaughter, Josie Rathburn, both of High Point; sister, Helen Brooks McDaris of Asheville; and uncle, Dewey Patton of Etowah. Mrs. Rathburn was blessed with numerous nieces, nephews and friends who loved her dearly. Memorial services will be held at a later date in the chapel of the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, with the Rev. Jerry Wilson and Rev. Michael Woodby officiating. Soloist Darlene Pressley will provide music. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Monday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home, and at other times at the home, 8 Kensington Drive, Asheville. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Rathburn, William Edwards, Gerald Gentry, Kenneth Edwards, Joseph Edwards, Kenny Edwards, Leroy Goodson, and Everette Tate, Jr.