Shirley L. Rhea

Shirley L. Rhea, 94, of rural Brookland, left this earth to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, after a lengthy stay at Advanced Care Hospital in Searcy due to injuries received from a fall. She had lived in the Jonesboro-Brookland area her entire life. She was born on June 22, 1918, to James Addison Thompson and Myrtle McNatt Thompson.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she was loved by all who knew her. Granny, Big Momma, Grandma Shirley’s home was always open and warm to the many that stopped by to visit. She was well known for her wonderful ability to bake and cook for her family members and the many friends she had made during her long life.

Mrs. Rhea was a member of Prospect Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Her church family and praising the goodness of her Lord and Master were a very important part of her life. She retired from Frolic Footwear with 27 years of service, proudly serving 12 years as Chairman of the Executive Board for the Boot and Shoe Workers Union. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Doc Rhea, by a brother, Paul Thompson and by a granddaughter, Rhea Len Rhea Sipes.

Survivors (the joy of her life as she would say) include son Bill Rhea (Paula) of Forrest City, daughter Paulette Horman (James) of Jonesboro, and son Jim Rhea of Wynne. Four grandchildren: Robyn Rhea Pipkin (Wade), and Bubba Rhea (Sherry) of Forrest City, Sonya Rhea of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Samantha Rhea Harper (Dana) of Memphis. 5 great grandchildren: Meagan, Maggie and Molly Pipkin and Madison and Jordan Sipes.

Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Pastors Mike Book and Randy Lingenfelter officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday evening, 5:00-8:00 at Emerson Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers include: Robin Rhea, Roger Rhea, Alvin McNatt, Curt Duffel, Wade Pipkin and Bubba Rhea.

Honorary pallbearers include: Roy Rhea, Norman Rudd, Barry Rudd, Joe Brewer, Albert Hess, Tim Hathcoat, Otis Fletcher, James Richardson, Claud Thomas, Stanley Roberts, Howard Oaks, Gary Yokum, John Soward and John Satterwhite.