Mary Ethel Jessee Raub

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend, Mary Ethel Jessee Raub, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Known by all as a faithful servant, a loyal community member, and a true inspiration to everyone who knew her, Mary was the absolute embodiment of love and grace. Born in Elk Garden, Virginia on September 3, 1936, to the late Frank and Hattie Jessee, Mary was one of 12 Jessee children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Roy Raymond Raub; her brother, Vaden Jessee; her brother, Bill Jessee; and her sister, Jan Duty. Family was everything to Mary and that was evident in all she did. Affectionately called GoGo by her grandchildren, Mary was a true mentor and role model to so many as she lived her life full of love and acceptance. Mary is survived by her son and the light of her life, Tom Raub, and his wife Michelle of Roanoke, VA; her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Raub of Mt. Pleasant, SC; her granddaughter, Mackenzie Raub of Roanoke, VA; her great granddaughters Sophia and Peyton Bonner of Mt. Pleasant, SC; her sisters, Debbie Price, Bonnie Jones, Barbara Holliday, Kathleen Harris, Joanna Hale, and Vicki Owens; and her brothers James Jessee and Roy Jessee. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends who love and honor her. Mary approached life as an adventure and she perfectly exemplified the art of truly living life to the fullest. Her journey was full of experiences from growing up on a farm with eleven siblings and all that entailed; to her days as a nurse with Bluefield Sanatorium; managing the office for Papa Doc and helping with patients; going on safari expeditions in various countries; hosting big game hunters and big game photographers in Zimbabwe; serving as President of the Garden Club in Bluefield, WV; and proudly serving as a Rotarian, Westminster Presbyterian Church Member, Women of the Church Member, and Bluefield Beautification Committee Member. Mary was committed to making a difference in all she did. She left everything a little better with her sweet touch and encouraging words. She loved her community and always fed back into the Bluefield area to help it continue to grow and thrive. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mary was fiercely loyal and genuinely authentic to the things she loved and committed to. To know Mary was truly to love her. Her impact will long be felt in Bluefield and beyond. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19th at Westminster Presbyterian Church followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will follow immediately at Monte Vista Park Cemetery. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mary Ethel Jessee Raub.

Mary Ethel Jessee Raub

September 3, 1936 - June 12, 2025