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Patricia Rhea

September 10, 1934 - December 28, 2019
Visitation
Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel
639 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6733 | Map
Saturday 1/18, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Memorial
Thomas McAfee - Downtown Chapel
639 North Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-6733 | Map
Saturday 1/18, 2:00 pm

Patricia Warren Rhea, 85, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2019 with her loving family by her side. She and Dr. Alfred Carter Rhea, her husband of 61 years, have been living in Greenville the past 14 years. Pat was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to parents Robert Martin and RobbieContinue Reading

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Anne Farnum left a message on January 9, 2020:
Oh, how I loved Pat!  I first came to know Pat when I began attending FG in 2014.  Pat came to my Bible study group for several semesters.  What a joy she was to have as part of the group.  She was infectious in her love for Jesus and I so admired her life's story- her faithfulness to the Lord and her passion for others to know his love.  I really enjoyed reading her "book" and it inspired me to strive to know Jesus more.  My heart is heavy for our loss but can just imagine her joy at being with the One she so loved.
Paula Kaikkonen, former Turpeinen, Finland left a message on January 8, 2020:
Pat's loving hospitality blessed my life while serving  with Life Ministry  in Uganda. She welcomed us Europeans and Africans as warmly as her own countrymen. With her delicious meals and cosy home she offered a refreshing break to us all. Pat's commitment to the Lord ministered to me. I still treasure  the notes she gave us one time, of using God's Hebrew names in the Lord's prayer. 
monica begin left a message on January 6, 2020:
Ruth, my condolences to you and your family. I wish I met your mom. I loved reading about her and your dad's adventures for God's kingdom. What a true servant she was. I see how her smile lives on in you. May the Lord comfort you and your family during this time. Although you will miss her here on earth, it is still a joy to know that you will see her again in God's glory. 
John Riordan left a message on January 6, 2020:
While Mike Timmis and I were two young single guys in Uganda, Pat was our "Kampala Mom" - we always knew we could come over to your home on Lake Vic at any time, and we'd have a warm, loving welcome, and an Awesome Home-cooked American Meal!  Your love for us helped us make it through a long, challenging season.  Your investment in so many lives, like ours, changed us, made us better and strong, and showed us the Love of Christ, so that we could show it to others.  How Awesome that you can now see All the Fruit of your investment in so many lives, from the Throne Room of the Lord, dear Pat!  Our love and prayers are with you, dear Al.  
Ruth Rhea left a message on January 5, 2020:
Thank you, Kitty for sharing this.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Ruth Rhea left a message on January 5, 2020:
Thank you for that beautiful tribute to my mom.
Kitty Bennett left a message on January 3, 2020:
Pat Rhea was such a special lady!  She was loving and kind, but also full of fun and ready for adventure.  I remember her times driving in the DC area with her mobile phone perched on the dash of her car so her GPS (Al) could tell her where she was and where she should go.  One time in DC she knew she had taken a wrong turn and tried to do a U-turn.  She was quickly stopped by the police.  When the policeman came to her window, she burst into tears.  The officer was so taken aback that he gave her a warning and sent her on her way.  Al was on the phone listening to the whole ordeal.
I also remember her wonderful Super Bowl parties for our staff team, her delicious chili, the fantastic bows she tied on gifts, her constant encouragement …….I thank God for the short time I got to be with her.  Will be praying for Al and the family as they grieve.
Jack & Sheri McGill left a message on January 3, 2020:
The Rhea's have lived out the gospel to so many especially through their children.   Prayers and love to you all,
Jack and Sheri McGill
Orlando
Dawn Hawley Getz left a message on January 3, 2020:
I was one of those single people running around Uganda for three years who enjoyed Al and Pat's hospitality.  We always knew there was a bed and good food available to us when they lived in Kampala.  Besides those physical basics we also knew that we were deeply loved by Al and Pat.  We mattered to them.  And not just because we brought them hunks of cheese from Kenya across the border.  Thank you Jesus for how Pat mothered me in Uganda when my own mama was half a world away.  Thank you for how she modeled being a respectful and Godly wife.  She allowed Al to pull her chair out for her when we sat down to eat together.  I had never seen that in my life.  She was not uncomfortable with Al's chivalry, she reveled in it.  That was a new concept for me.  I am grateful.   You helped to shape my life.  You also modeled for me sitting in the yard sunning your legs.  You showed me what self care could look like.  That was also a rather new idea for me.  Now Jay and I are "the older couple" feeding the singles around our table and laying out the fresh towels in the guest rooms. We only hope to love the twenty somethings in our lives as well as you.
Robby Hogan left a message on January 2, 2020:
Wonderful, faithful servant. Prayers are with the entire Rhea family.
Mary left a message on January 2, 2020:
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Psalms 83:18 & Acts 24:15). Jesus prayed for God’s Kingdom to come because He knew it would be able to solve all mankind’s problems even death. (Revelation 21:4,5).
Becky Wellung left a message on December 31, 2019:
I've been out of touch for years. Our path crossed with you n your family when Darrell n I were in Nairobi with SIM and ACROSS. Fond memories of hospitality sharing.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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