Fay Raborn Obituary

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother and consummate homemaker Fay Dean Raborn passed from this life Saturday, October 28, 2023, at her home in Kentwood. "Fay Dean" to her husband, Bobby, and "Mama Fay" or just "Dean" to her grandchildren, was 89 years old.

Born August 6, 1934, in Ferriday, Louisiana, Fay at a young age moved with her family, traveling in a covered wagon, to the Chesbrough area. In Tangipahoa Parish, she met the love of her life, Bobby Raborn, in 1950.

Three years later, she graduated from Kentwood High School as salutatorian, then married Bobby on Christmas Day 1953. They lived in Hammond where Bobby played football for Southeastern Louisiana University and Fay worked as a switchboard operator. Traveling to roller skating rinks across southeast Louisiana, often by hitchhiking, was a special hobby shared by the pair in the 1950s.

After they moved home to Kentwood in 1954, Fay worked at the old milk plant on Highway 51, then at a sewing factory, then finally as assistant clerk at Kentwood City Hall, the job from which she only recently retired after more than 40 years of service to the town.

She was a longtime member of Kentwood First Baptist Church, and her strong faith never wavered, even in the waning days of her life.

Although she led a storied professional life, most important to Fay were her family and making a wonderful home for them in any way she could, whether it was sewing her children's clothes or always cooking delicious meals in the kitchen – especially her signature red beans and rice with potato salad and cornbread, or her Thanksgiving and Christmas staple, spaghetti and cheese.

Preceding her in death are her father, Herbert Hart Sr. and mother, Roma Till Hart; brother, Frank "Bubba" Hart Jr.; sisters Joan Karst and Cheryl Pierre; and granddaughter Amy Lobre.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Bobby Raborn; brother, Herbert Hart Jr.; daughters, Becky Davidson (Paul) and Cindy Raborn; sons, Bob Raborn and Bill Raborn; grandchildren, Dustin Stafford (Madonna), Dana Thomas, Connor Raborn, Clay Raborn, Clint Raborn and Brody Raborn (Allie); numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews; special extended family members Missy Lester and Karen Raborn; and special canine companions Sophie and Sister.

The family extends special thanks to Tom Gonsalves, whose counseling sessions meant so much to Fay over the past year; and special thanks to hospice sitter Leah, who gave Fay and her family care and peace, as well as to home hospice nurses Victoria, Zach and Shelbi.

McKneely Funeral Home of Kentwood is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends held a celebration of Fay's life at her home on Sunday, October 29.

Although her mobility had declined in recent years, "she's skating now," Bobby said.