SHELBY - Hollis Mayo Chenery Rabb, 71, died Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Carolinas Healthcare System-Cleveland. A native of Richmond, VA, she was the daughter of the late Waller Winston and Estelle Winkler Chenery. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University. She retired from Shelby Middle School after 25 years of teaching and was a member of New Bethel Church of Shelby.

SURVIVED: She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Jerry Dean Rabb of Shelby; sons, John Winston Rabb and wife Roxanne of Shelby, Bronson Dean Rabb and wife Jennifer of Shelby, and Christopher Emmitt Rabb and wife Marissa of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Shannon Sapoch of Shelby; sister, Leila Mayo Christenbury and husband Tucker Conley of Richmond, VA; brother, Boyd Scarborough and wife Kelli of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, Zach Rabb, Lindsay Sapoch, Elijah Rabb, and Zoe-Rain Rabb, all of Shelby.

She was a lifelong lover of education and teaching and is remembered fondly by the many students she taught over the years, both at the middle school level and at the community college level, where she instructed in technology.

An avid crafter, over the years Hollis designed and made original jackets, hats, wreaths, tablecloths, pillows, jewelry, and, in particular, quilts. Starting with a volunteer project with the local police to provide displaced children with warm quilts, she and her husband Jerry worked as a team. Between the two of them they made hundreds of quilts over the years, and all were known for their originality, color, workmanship, and loving care.

Hollis is remembered by her family and friends for her generosity, sense of humor, love, and personality. She was genuinely interested in everyone in her community, and she was selfless and unfailingly kind.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends Wednesday, 6-7:30 pm, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home

FUNERAL SERVICES: Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Thursday, at New Bethel Church of Shelby

OFFICIATING: Rev. Mark Patchett will officiate

BURIAL: Will follow in Sunset Cemetery

MEMORIALS: Senior Center, 100 T.R. Harris Drive, Shelby, NC 28150

FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby

ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com