Rhea Jean LaMotte

"On the morning of Wednesday, December 20, 2017, the gates of Heaven opened wide, the angels held their arms outstretched, and God's choir sang in glory as His beautiful rose was plucked from her earthly existence and joyously welcomed into Heaven's Garden. Rhea Jean LaMotte was a native of Lobdell, Louisiana and a resident of Baton Rouge, having moved there as a toddler. She was the second of four children born to the union of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Leo Paul LaMotte. From an early age, her kind and gentle spirit shone through to all who met and inevitably came to love her. Rhea was educated in the schools of East Baton Rouge Parish and graduated from McKinley High School. From there she began her studies at Southern University, in preparation for a lifelong career as an educator. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Education, followed by a Master's Degree in Math and Science, plus thirty hours of further study in her field. As a junior high school teacher, Rhea touched the lives of countless students. Her career spanned more than thirty five years, most of these years at Capitol Middle School. During her teaching years and even more so following her retirement, Rhea could often be seen out and about in Baton Rouge enjoying one of her favorite pastimes "“ shopping. It was commonplace for her to be approached by individuals who would eagerly exclaim "Miss LaMotte, you taught me!" or "Miss LaMotte, you taught my mom!" She would then share a laugh with them and often hear a heartwarming story of how she had positively affected their lives. Rhea was a gentle, selfless and giving person. She believed in the persistent power of kindness. Her laugh was contagious, and would make others around her happy just hearing it. To her family, she was a precious jewel. She was an avid gardener, and with a few bags of dirt, a little fertilizer, and some seeds, would transform her yard into a showplace year after year. She loved fashion and enjoyed both shopping and sewing in her free time. She was a faithful member of St. Mark Methodist Church, where she offered her time and effort for charitable activities in various capacities. Rhea extended a compassionate hand in other charitable endeavors, including the Red Cross and fundraising events for the children she taught. Rhea lovingly and devotedly cared for her mother until her death, and cared for aunts, uncles, and other relatives thereafter. She adored her siblings and doted on their children, who were just like her own. Rhea's younger brother H.B. was the apple of her eye. He was her defender and trusted advisor. But the relationship that stands out most to those who now cherish Rhea's memory was that of her and her sister Colleen. In fact, Colleen was more than a sister "“ they were best friends. Friends often remarked that "when you saw Rhea, you saw Colleen". They shared an unwavering devotion to each other through good times and bad, one which only grew stronger and more poignant during the course of Rhea's illness. Colleen faithfully cared for and fiercely protected her dear Rhea until the very end. Rhea leaves a legacy of love, joy, laughter, and beautiful memories too numerous to count to her sister Colleen J. LaMotte; her loving brother Huber B. LaMotte (Connie); one niece who was like a daughter, Toni R. Awill; eight nephews, Kyle, Eric, Patrick and Mark Roquemore, and Keith, Kerwin, Jeffrey and Jason LaMotte; numerous great nieces and nephews, including Justin Awill, who lovingly assisted in Rhea's care every morning during her illness, and countless other relatives and friends, all of whose lives she touched so indelibly and who deeply mourn her passing, but rejoice that she is reunited with her loved ones who left before her and whom she missed so much. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ernest J. LaMotte; a nephew, L. Anthony Roquemore, and numerous aunts and uncles. Visitation with relatives and friends will be at St. Mark Methodist Church, 6217 Glen Oaks Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, from 9:00 am until religious services at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA. Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.