Linda Williams Rhea's Obituary
Sarah Linda Williams Rhea passed away July 25th at the age of 99.
She was born October 4, 1923, in Brownsville, TN, graduated from Central High School in 1941, and attended Memphis State (now the University of Memphis). There she started dating fellow Central High School graduate Stephen Herbert Rhea. They married September 7, 1945, and were best friends for the next 64 years. She was the perfect wife and partner to her hardworking, highly respected husband. Together they were mentors to numerous men and women who looked to them for counsel in business and life.
Linda was devoted to her family, her community, and to Second Presbyterian Church, where she was one of the first two female deacons and where she served as president of the Women of the Church. She also served on the boards of Presbyterian Day School and the Christian Psychological Center.
Linda was a member of Les Passees, past president of the Tuesday Study Club, and a MIFA Meals on Wheels volunteer. She was a gifted seamstress for both of her daughters and granddaughters. She loved a well-written story and started a book club led by Jane Caldwell, a teacher and close friend.
Taking up the mantle from her mother-in-law, Linda hosted Sunday lunches for the family well into her 90’s, providing emotional and spiritual nourishment, along with delicious food.
In her middle years Linda rediscovered her talent for painting. Her passion for the latter was one reason her husband took a leading role in the growth and support of Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Macular degeneration eventually robbed her of sight and the pleasure of art, but she bore this burden and declining health graciously.
Linda has had an outstanding team of compassionate caregivers led by Dorothy Shelton and including Debra Sparks, Jerrica Shelton, Jeanette Thomas, and Maggie Hart. Each one blessed Linda and the entire Rhea family with her love and skill.
Linda leaves her two daughters Suzanne Rhea Burgar (Paul) and Marilyn Rhea Cheeseman, daughter-in-law Leigh Rhea Frazier (Neal), granddaughters Emily Rhea Dollahite (John) and Elizabeth Rhea Cook (Stuart), and six great-grandchildren.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband Herbert, her beloved son Stephen H. Rhea Jr, her mother Sadie Williams Zerweck, and her father Frank M. Williams.
After Herbert’s death in 2010, she continued their habit of generous support of local organizations and ministries. Her reason for many contributions was “I know that’s what Herbert would have done.”
Her service will be held in the sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church on Thursday, August 3rd at 2:00pm; visitation with family will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Church Health, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 142, Memphis TN 38104, WKNO Public Broadcasting, 7151 Cherry Farms Road, Cordova, TN 38016, Second Presbyterian Church Foundation, 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis TN 38111, or Dixon Gallery & Gardens, 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
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