Arabella Benton Rachel, age 95, a resident of Navarre, Florida, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.
Arabella was born in Barnwell, Alabama in 1922 and remained a resident of Baldwin County, near Bon Secour, Alabama for most of her life.
For 35 years she served the community as an educator, retiring as the principal of Swift School in Bon Secour.
With strength and perseverance she raised three children while her husband served the nation at sea as a Merchant Marine.
Beginning in 2004, Arabella lived in Navarre, Florida, impacting family and friends as a member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, Caring and Sharing of South Santa Rosa County, the Red Hat Society and other community organizations.
Arabella was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Franklin Rachel Jr.; son, Thomas Franklin Rachel; and grandson, James Robert "Trey" Williams III. She was also preceded by siblings, Annie Nelson, Elizabeth Sellers and Thomas "Buck" Benton.
Arabella is survived by two children, Ann (Tony) Thompson and Robert (Candace) Rachel; and one sibling, Mary Alice (John) Passwater. Arabella's legacy is ensured by eight grandchildren, Thomas, Michael, Ryan, Rachel, Jessica, Drew, Kathryn and Jacob. Her influence is also represented in a third generation through great-grandchildren, David, Olivia and Makayla.
The family will receive friends at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley, on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m.
A church service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Bon Secour, Alabama at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, followed by a graveside burial service at Pine Rest Memorial Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 2551 S. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535, 251-943-2391, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
