Richlands - Wilbur E. Mabe, age 95, of Richlands, VA passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at his home.


Wilbur was born on April 15, 1926 in Red Ash, VA and was the son of the late Earnest and Virgie Jackson Mabe. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WW II. He was a retired coal miner from Island Creek Coal Company. Wilbur was a member of the Tabernacle of Praise in Richlands, VA where he was a Sunday school teacher. Wilbur's greatest love was to read his Bible and had read through it thirty-two times.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Curt Mabe and Alfred Mabe.

He is survived by: His wife, Norma Jean Rife Mabe; Daughters: Linda Jessee and husband, Barry of Honaker, VA, Shirley Curry and husband, David of Rosedale, VA; Son: Jackie Mabe of Richlands, VA; Stepson: Jeff Curtis and wife, Sherry of Bristol, VA; Sisters: Edith Sauls of Alderson, WV, Sally Osborne and husband, Worley of Swords Creek, VA; Brother, Harold Mabe and wife, Sharon of Marlboro, MD; Grandchildren: Rtd. Lt. Commander Tony Jessee and wife, Lisa; Dr. Matthew Jessee and wife, Brandi; Zack Curry and wife, Penny; Daniel Curry and wife, Jenny; Jaclyn Mabe; Michael Paul Mabe. Step grandson, Brandon Curtis.

Also surviving are eight great grandchildren and one step grandchild, several nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Special thank you to his caregiver, Carla Honaker, and the staff of MSA Home Health and Hospice.


Funeral services for Wilbur E. Mabe will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with Brother Eddie Street officiating. Interment will follow at Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands, VA. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The Mabe family will receive friends from 11-12 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Members of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 will conduct military graveside rites.

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia oversees arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com