Born and raised in Steele, Mo she was the second born of 14 children. Met her husband and moved to Memphis, TN to start their family. Our father stated that they could have one child, however 5 additional came along. They were foster parents for 20 plus years, members of First General Baptist Church until it closed. She was a current member of New Church Memphis.
She had a way of touching peoples lives, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand, give a hug when needed and step in as a mom, grandma, friend when someone needed anything. She loved to cook and bake. People always requested her chicken and dressing, potato salad, and lemon ice box pie.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Rhea, Sr., son Lloyd Rhea, Jr., daughter Rita Caldwell, son-in-law Terry Cottingham, parents Algie and Veatress Marley. and 5 brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her children, Brenda Cottingham, Randy Rhea (Karen), Elizabeth Williams (Allen), Lisa Bishop, Jeff Rhea (Cindy) and DeDe Ortiz, son-in-law Mark Caldwell, sisters Louise Pilkinton (Chuck), Mary Helen Jernigan and brother Ronnie Marley (Beverly), numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends for Marie will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2022 at10:00 AM, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A committal service will follow Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM, Slayden Cemetery, Hwy 72, Slayden, MS 38642.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Rhea family.
