Joann Rairigh's Obituary
JoAnn Rairigh, 81 of Tampa, Fl. went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 25, 2017 surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on May 21, 1936 in Tampa, Fl to Henry and Elner Aplin, and was one of eight children. She was a devoted loving mother, grandmother a/k/a Maggle and great grandmother. JoAnn was blessed with tremendous generosity and thoughtfulness for others beyond measure. She had such a kind heart that was contagious to others who did not know her well but knew there was something very special about her. Forgiveness was one of many virtues that she practiced and instilled in her family and was the first to tell you how important it is to forgive and love each other. Most importantly JoAnn had a strong faith in God that was first and foremost in her life. She will always be remembered for her love of life and lived it to the fullest with immense enthusiasm.
JoAnn loved children and spent time volunteering at her church as well as community bible study. Some say she was a "dog whisperer" as all dogs were drawn to her. She was a beautiful lady inside and out and in her early years people remarked at her resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor due to her black hair and violet blue eyes. She was a talented decorator who loved fashion.
JoAnn is survived by her son Raymond L. Rairigh (Helen), and daughters Catherine Rairigh, Cynthia Sherwood , Victoria Rairigh and Theresa Marshall (Gil); grandchildren Ray Rairigh Jr, Sean Rairigh, Nicole Rairigh, Richard Thompson, Jennifer Mousa, Amber Sherwood, Jason Berger, Christopher Lane , Brittany Lane, Caitlin JoAnn Lane, and ten great grandchildren, her sisters, Jane White (Eric), Janet Scoggins and brother Robert Aplin (JoAnn); sister in law Betty Aplin and many nieces and nephews all of whom she cherished. She is proceeded in death by her father Henry R. Aplin, mother Elner Aplin, brothers Henry R. Aplin, Jr., Bennie Aplin, sister Betty Jo Barton (Coy).
A service honoring JoAnn’s life will be held on October 5 , 2:00 pm, at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz, Fl. 33548. Pastor Ken Whitten will be officiating the services. Family will be receiving friends from 1:00 - 2:00pm. Interment services will follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Dr. Trinity, Fl. 34655.
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