Bobbye Imbragulio

1936 - 2016

Bobbye Jean Rainey Imbragulio

Jackson, MS

Bobbye Jean Rainey Imbragulio of Jackson, MS, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 28th, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with visitation at 1:00 PM.

Bobbye Jean was born on September 13, 1936, in Meridian, MS to Henry Thomas and Cora Bell Rainey. She grew up in Meridian, but spent most of her adult life in Jackson.

Bobbye Jean had a long and successful career in the radio broadcasting business in Mississippi. She served as general manager for WSLI in Jackson and general sales manager for WMXI in Laurel/Hattiesburg. She also owned WVIV in Jackson. In 1997, Bobby Jean was named one of the 50 Leading Business Women in the state of Mississippi. She also had local success in Meridian as a singer and songwriter in the late 1960's and early 1970's. She sang duets with Marty Collins and wrote and released a touching Christmas ballad "Christmas Without Daddy" and the more festive flip side of that record, "When The Toys Began To Play".

Beyond her business ventures, Bobbye Jean was the beloved matriarch of a large extended family begun by her parents and expanded by her, her sister and five brothers. Every Labor Day weekend the family joined together for the legendary Rainey family reunion. A joyful noise could be heard in September as several generations would sing on a stage in her backyard.

Bobbye Jean's faith was strong and enabled her to survive the loss of two of her three sons and to fight her courageous battle against the egregious disease that ultimately ended her life. Bobbye Jean's family would like everyone to know that there is sweet rejoicing in Heaven as God has brought his precious daughter home.

Bobbye Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Tom, Edward, Billy and Charles; her sons, Tommy and Tony; and her husband, Johnny Vincent Imbragulio. She is survived by a son, Gary Robbins of Jackson; granddaughter, Rainey and her husband, James Daniels of Madison; brothers, James Rainey of Port Arthur, TX and Ken Rainey of Meridian; and sister, Frances Johns of Meridian. She is also survived by two great grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

With true amazing Grace comes amazing strength. Bobbye Jean Rainey Imbragulio was a strong and beautiful child of God. She will be missed by everyone who ever crossed her path.

You may offer your condolences at www.ottandleefuneralhome.com