Eleanor Tabb

Eleanor Johnson Tabb, 94, of Wilson, died Saturday, December 21, 2019.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 30, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Wilson.  A time of visitation will follow the service.

The youngest and last surviving of seven children, Eleanor was born on October 26, 1925, to Kate and Aubrey Johnson of Hylas, Virginia. Her husband Douglas C. Tabb predeceased her in 2009.

Eleanor grew up on her family’s farm in Goochland County, Virginia, and as the youngest, was doted on by all her siblings.  She graduated from Smithdeal Massey Business College in Richmond and began her career at First and Merchants National Bank, where she and Doug met.  In Wilson, she enjoyed her work as executive secretary to each successive president of Imperial Tobacco Company, James I. Miller Tobacco Company, and Standard Commercial Tobacco Company, working from the same desk until she retired in 1998.  She was an active volunteer at First Baptist Church and served in several roles with the Wilson Woman’s Club.

Our mother was known for her quiet grace, sweet disposition, gentle kindness, and steadfast devotion to her family. Eleanor liked nothing more than to sit quietly and revel in the love and laughter shared during family gatherings.  She showed us how to do everything in a respectful manner, knew exactly how to support everyone around her, and gave us the great gift of her unconditional love and friendship.  We will always remember her assurance that “everything is going to be all right.”

Eleanor is survived by her three children:  Rusty Tabb (Pam); Bruce Tabb (Ron Unger); and Debra Tabb DeCamillis (Clayton); her four grandchildren: Erin Tabb Manning (Mitch); Tabb DeCamillis (Becky); Emily DeCamillis; and Rachel Tabb.  Also surviving are her three great-grandchildren: James, Michael, and Lena Manning.

Memorials may be directed to a scholarship Eleanor initiated in honor of her sister Clelia Johnson at the Medical College of Virginia.  Please visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/ and use the search option to choose “Clelia Johnson Scholarship M205910” or so designate on a check mailed to:  MCV Foundation, PO Box 980022, Richmond VA 23286.