Mary Alice Rhea, 74, of Hoxie, AR died Friday, October 4, 2024, at her residence.
Born March 16, 1950, in Walnut Ridge, AR as the eldest daughter of the late Jasper Grimes and Ilene (Gates) Grimes, she was later united in marriage to Charles Glenn Rhea on January 1, 1979. She was variously employed in healthcare and manufacturing, among other jobs throughout her life. However, she believed a much more important calling for her was to fulfill the role of a devoted wife and mother at home, as well as helping with the care of many others. She enjoyed studying the Bible with her family and friends, singing praises to God, and praying for others’ needs, while also helping in any way she physically could. Moreover, she enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and listening to smooth jazz or sounds of nature as ways to unwind.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Charles Glenn Rhea; both parents, Jasper and Ilene (Gates) Grimes; two sisters, Esther Rivera and Bonnie Becker; and one brother, Jerry Grimes.
Survivors include her three sons, Wesley Rhea and Adam Rhea of Hoxie, and Jonathon Swift of Lynn; a daughter, Melanie (Greg) Meyers of Hoxie; three sisters, Julie Walker and Linda Blazer of Hoxie, and Sheron Swift of Pocahontas; three granddaughters, Naomi Meyers and Jazmine Seawood of Hoxie, and Shelby White of Bangor, MI; one great granddaughter Jaziah Swift of Deltona, FL; along with many other relatives and friends.
Mary has previously requested that no services be performed in her name. She wishes, instead, that people would use her death as an opportunity to remember that they, too, must live every day coram Deo— “before the face of God.” Her desire is to lovingly urge everyone to make peace with the Lord Jesus and give their hearts to him now, since we never know when it will be our own time to stand before God and give an account of our lives.
Mary has directed that her cremains be joined with those of her late husband to be spread privately by the family at a later date.