Rachel Ables

1982 - 2013

Rachel Ables obituary, 1982-2013, Vancleave, MS

BORN

1982

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Pascagoula

4811 Telephone Road

Pascagoula, Mississippi

Rachel Ables Obituary

Rachel Ann Ables

Oct. 9, 1982-Jan. 5, 2013

Vancleave, MS

Rachel Ann Ables, 30, of Vancleave passed into eternity on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2012 of complications stemming from Hodgkins Lymphoma. Although she left this world far too early she left many lasting impressions on the people around her. After being diagnosed in 2001, she went on to graduate from Ole Miss in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree of English and a Bachelor's Degree of History. Upon receiving her two undergraduate degrees, she informed everyone that against Doctors orders she had applied and was accepted to Ole Miss Law where in 2009 she received her Juris Doctor Degree. This was one of her proudest achievements as she had a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge more than anyone could imagine.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Galen Ables; aunt, Pricilla Clancy; maternal grandpa, Roy Borries; paternal grandfather, Emmit Ables; paternal grandma, Louis Ables.

She is survived by her companion and husband of 14 years, Brian Self , Vancleave; mother, Paula Vaughn, Vancleave; father, David Ables, Ocean Springs; maternal grandmother, Pauline Borries (Roy) Gautier; brother, Anson Ables; six sisters, Donnie Vaughn, Bo Vaughn, Raina Ables Summerlin, Julie Rouse (Jason), all of Vancleave; mother-in-law, Lana Self, Vancleave; father-in-law, Billy Self (Rhonda), Bay Springs, MS; three nieces and four nephews that she loved and adored, Layla Summerlin, Isabelle Rouse and Scarlett Rouse; Kidd James Summerlin, Galen Summerlin, Eli Rouse, and Christian Dasher. Her love and laughter will be greatly missed but will live on in all of us.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan. 8. 2013, 6:00-9:00pm, at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, 10:00am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula with Father Michael Kelleher officiating. Interment will follow at Vancleave Cemetery. You may send your condolences to her family at www.obryantokeefe.com

Published by The Sun Herald on Jan. 7, 2013.
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I don't know how many times I have thought about Rachel over the years since 2005. She was remarkable, and though I knew her only briefly at Ole Miss, there was something of her that stayed with me all these years.

She missed some classes, and asked me to apologize to the professor, whose class we shared. He called her "intrepid", and I had to admit to her later that I had to look the word up to know what it meant. She knew the word, of course, and humbly accepted the compliment.

I was oblivious until then the battle she fought, and I can remember now how mesmerized I was by her--by her resolve. I didn't know until then how deep it ran.

She was my friend, and I am better for knowing her. I am sad today, having discovered Rachel's obituary, but filled with more awe for her drive and determination than I was back then.

I cherish the memories of sunny afternoons, in which the hectic world seemed to fade into the background and being her presence was like meditation. I was so naive, and though she was younger than I, she seemed so serene.

I saw her cry, once. We watched The Passion of the Christ, in Oxford one evening, and I remember thinking before how much I wanted it to be a date. It wasn't. She was kind and gracious, and embarrassed that the move had made her cry. I was embarrassed that I took a Catholic girl to a movie about the Passion, and was naive enough to think it was a date, and too embarrassed to ever admit I had a crush on her. I'm sure she would have been gracious about it, had my ego not prevented me. She was beautiful, inside and out.

Though I never met Brian or the rest of Rachel's family, I want you to know there are other people who still think of her, and miss her; and I know that my brief friendship, in which I spent most of my time in a puppy-love crush daze, in no way compares to the deep love and connection you had--and that is my point--my point of writing this all these years later. I feel for all of you so deeply at this moment. I knew Rachel for months, superficially, self-absorbedly.

You KNEW her. Really knew her.

God bless you.

Larry Joe Thompson

Friend

January 27, 2021

The last time I saw Rachel we were making scrapbooks together and it was a great time. I have vague memories of her but she was my best friend. She lit up the room every time she walked in.

Rachel Taylor

Friend

April 13, 2018

I met Rachel in Rome in October 2010. She and I toured the Vatican together. She knew so much about the artwork, I felt like I was getting a personal tour.

Seeing the conclave brought back memories of that day, and I wanted to look her up. I'm sadden to hear of her passing. She was an amazing, strong person. Someone who touched my life.

Geoff Hunt

March 12, 2013

Dear Paula,
I was so saddened to hear of Rachel's passing. I know she fought hard, so much like Priscilla. I remember how determined she was as she was completing her student teaching under me in Vancleave so many years ago. These ladies were "Steel Magnoilas" in the truest sense. I am praying that God takes you and your family in His arms during this sad time. My sincerest sympathies to you and yours.
Lisa Murphy George

Lisa George

January 9, 2013

My condolences to Rachel's family and friends.. I didn't know Rachel that well, but I know she was an incredible woman.. I've read about her accomplishments achieved during her time with us and she has inspired me and gave me hope.. Rest in peace Rachel, you will never be forgotten!!

Kimberly Staten-Lynch

January 9, 2013

Rachel I haven't seen you since high school and you were an amazing chick!!! It's sad that you had to go so soon but I read your stories and I think you did wonderful with your life!!! R.I.P. your pain free now!!!

My prayers and thoughts are with all the family and friends at this time.

Tiffany Martinez-Simpson

January 8, 2013

Let this light never grow dim and always shine is bright as she did or be forgotten but be a way to reach and shine on God's Angel Rachel! God Bless You!

Gary Mays

January 8, 2013

Our deepest prayers and thoughts will continue to be with you daily as you all celebrate God's Angel Rachel were praying for you Bryan(your truly a special man and have taught us all what marriage really means) as well as Ms. Paula, Anson, Julia,Raina all of of your family. Rachel was a Awesome, One of a kind Young Lady; she inspired so many and always had a smile, i will always remember our bike rides in the backroads you will never be forgotten. How proud you all must be to have raised such a Beautiful soul. God Bless you all and Thank God for giving this world her and thank ya'll for sharing your Angel. We love you always and truly miss you Rachel; but so thankful that your pain free in your Heavenly Father's arms. Love, Keisha & Gary Mays

Gary Mays

January 8, 2013

Our deepest sympathy

Francis @ Elizabeh Haarala

January 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.

The Payton Family

January 8, 2013

Paula, Julie and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Anita&Shirley Ely

January 8, 2013

Hey chick, u will truly be missed! U r definitely a one of a kind girl! U always focused on what was important! And that made an impact on whoever u r around! U will never be forgotten! Love ya

Pooh Paige

January 8, 2013

She was an amazing , courageous, lovely , young woman that inspired all that knew and loved her. My heart breaks for her family and friends. She will be missed but never forgotten.

DeDe Bonderer

January 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brunson Family

January 8, 2013

The University of Mississippi School of Law would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Rachel. She will be greatly missed.

UM Law School Family

January 8, 2013

Rachel you will be missed a whole lot.. my thoughts and prayers go out to bryan and family in this hard time but you are my angel... love, mandy and patrick dossett

January 8, 2013

It has been a long time since I have seen Rachel, since high school! I do remember her humor and smile, she was a beautiful person, the kind you never forget. Find peace knowing that she is with Father in heaven. She touched many lives. My condolences to her family..

Jamie Pinckard

January 8, 2013

Rachel was highly thought of by her classmates at The University of Mississippi School of Law and they admired her greatly. She will be missed by many.

Joyce Whittington

January 7, 2013

Rachel was my student in second grade. She was so smart, pretty, and sweet. Her aunt and I are good friends and I know Rachel was loved dearly and will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to the family.

Melanie Holden

January 7, 2013

You will be truly missed !!!

Chrissy Parker - Osborne

January 7, 2013

My deepest condolences to this wonderful girl's family. I was truly inspired by the things this young woman accomplished in her life.

Doris Stotler

January 7, 2013

Prayers for the family.

Phyllis Holden

January 7, 2013

Rachel, you will be missed by so many!! You was such a beautiful strong young lady that fought as long as u could. I will always remember the great times we shared together and u will forever live on in my life forever!!! My thoughts and prayers is with u Brian and ms. Paula and Julie and the rest of the family!!!

Belinda & Jeremy

January 7, 2013

In the brief time that I have known Rachel, I have come to witness her kindness, generosity, and resolve.

She was truly an inspiration and a friend. She will be missed.

My deepest condolences to her husband and family. Take comfort in knowing your angel has touched many lives.

Jason Wong

January 7, 2013

To the Borries family-My heart goes out to all of you,Isn't it wonderful that God let her finish all those degrees that meant to much to her?The world will miss her but she will be shining as one of those beautiful stars in Heaven God bless and comfort you in the time to come and my prayers will be with you. In Christian love, MaryBelle Harvey

January 7, 2013

Rachel will be truely missed. She was a beautiful person and I was very lucky to have her in my life. Her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Kelsey Reese

January 7, 2013

MY HEART GOES OUT TO RACHEL'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.MAY GOD COMFORT YOU DURING THIS TIME.GOD BLESS.

Daphne and Fred Ware

January 7, 2013

my thought and prayers are with the family and the love ones.

January 7, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Rachel's Family. Rachel was a beautiful person inside and out.. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.. I will miss her contagious smile and laughter.. God has received a beautiful angel... I will always cherish the good times we shared together...

Melissa Ely Shelton and Family

January 7, 2013

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY IN THESE TRYING TIMES . RACHEL WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL PERSON TO EVERYONE SHE KNEW AND LOVED. GOD BLESS

SHERRY REYNOLDS

January 7, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family

Denise Bangs-Baxter

January 7, 2013

My heart goes out to Rachel's family and friends in this time of sorrow and grief. As the days go by try to remember all of the great moments that you had together. In loving memory of such a wonderful women. We will always love you and miss you.

Taryn Flurry

January 7, 2013

Praying for the family and the love her life. I hope you can peace in your heart. rachel was such a great person.
I will hold on to all the memories I have with her.

Christina

January 7, 2013

my deepest sympathies to all her loved one and friends at this very difficult time....my thought and prayers are with you all....

katherine overstreet

January 7, 2013

MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.... SHE WAS AMAZING WOMAN WILL BE GREATLY MISSED....GOD CALLED ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ANGEL HOME....

katherine overstreet

January 7, 2013

Forever in our hearts.. love u Rachel

casie paige

January 7, 2013

Paula, Julie, and family, I hope that y'all can take comfort in all the happy memories that you have of Rachel. Be proud that she was such an inspiration to many. Love y'all

Melanie Mallette Sanderson

January 7, 2013

MY THOUGHTS AND PARYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY . HEAVEN HAS ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ANGEL IN THEIR MIDST.

January 6, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to all of you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Aunt Merle(Ables)

Randy & Merle Needles

January 6, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Staff of O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home

January 7, 2013

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