Mary Rachel Dixon Carmines

Our beautiful, loving mother, and best friend, Mary Rachel Dixon Carmines, 80, went to be with our Blessed, Beautiful Lord Jesus on September 30, 2020.  A lifelong resident of Poquoson, Rachel was born in her childhood home on Cedar Road — the fourth of five children.  She was a baptized member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Poquoson until marriage. She graduated from Poquoson High School in 1958 and completed training at Riverside School of Professional Nursing in 1961, becoming a Registered Nurse. She was devoted to her work, on 5 East at Riverside Hospital where she worked most of her years, as a geriatric nurse helping others and their families through the very things she experienced the last years of her own life. 
Rachel married the love of her life, James Harold Carmines, in 1962 and the couple had three children — Mary Ruth, James Harold Jr., and Martha Anne.  In addition to her career, Rachel was a voracious reader and family genealogist, enjoyed gardening, woodworking, crafting, quilting, working puzzles, and playing Scrabble and other board games with Martha.  She loves God, Jesus, and her family.  She was devoted to her sisters and enjoyed nature, particularly birds and their lovely songs.  Love endures eternally. 
Rachel was an active member of Emmaus Baptist Church in Poquoson where she was a member of the “Friends” Sunday School class, served in the library, and distributed recordings of services to those who were unable to attend.  She visited many in nursing homes and gave fully of herself to others throughout her life. 
Rachel loved people deeply, helping many during the toughest times of their lives. She also loved doting on her grandchildren, Brian and Meghan, going to see them frequently for recitals and performances, and supporting them in their interests.
Rachel was preceded to Heaven by and is now reunited in blessed joy with: her beloved husband Harold; parents Stanley and Martha; brother Franklin; and sisters Naomi and Fannie.  She is survived by her devoted sister, Elizabeth; daughter Mary; son Jim; daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Michael; and grandchildren Brian and Meghan.  
Rachel’s memory stayed intact through her life, and her thoughts and concerns for family never ceased, even in her final breaths.  Her prayers are that all will accept Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, being blessed in life, and be reunited, with her and with God in Heaven. 
Martha and Michael would like to express their love and appreciation for the devotion, love, support, and care of the following individuals and organizations:
• The staff, nurses, and volunteers – and her friends – at Dominion Village at Poquoson during Rachel’s 21 month stay with them. They went the extra mile to make it possible for her loved ones to visit her during the difficult events of 2020, and for that the family is very appreciative.  There are so many who gave so much of their time and efforts well beyond what was required. May God bless them.  
• The many volunteers who provided church services and individuals like the man who often brought ice cream to the residents.  Rachel loved music, and the ice cream.  Martha cherished the opportunity to worship with her mother again. Praise be to God for His love through His workers on this earth.  
• The staff and nurses of Medi Home Health and Hospice for their care and support during Rachel’s final journey toward her Heavenly home.  The comfort and guidance given was very helpful during a very difficult and emotional time.  
• The staff and volunteers at the Peninsula Agency on Aging for their help while Rachel was still living at home.  She enjoyed seeing the volunteers and chatting with them, many whom she knew from earlier days. 
In accordance with Rachel’s wishes, there will be a graveside service at Emmaus Baptist Church at a time and date to be announced in the near future.   In lieu of flowers, Rachel asked that we all visit elderly relatives, friends, and shut-ins and remind them of their importance to us and our community.  Those wishing to donate in memory of Rachel are encouraged to donate to the Peninsula Agency on Aging, the American Bible Society, the American Diabetes Association, the Poquoson Rescue Squad, or Samaritans Purse to help others. Please leave messages for the family via the Claytor Rollins Funeral Home website.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2020 at Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery. Anyone attending will need a mask and practice social distancing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Rachel Dixon Carmines, please visit our floral store.