Rheta Swicegood Carriker

Through her patient and resourceful teaching and grace, Rheta touched the lives of innumerable children, youth, and adults.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Neil, sons Doug and Grant and their wives Vicki and Christy, grandchildren Lily and Michael; nieces and nephews (and their spouses) RaeLana Poteat, David Carriker, Randy Carriker, Michael Huntley, Melva Kirk, Ken Carrriker, Lynette Williams, Russell Carriker, Audrey Benton, and Greg Carpenter; and numerous grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews.

Rheta was a 45-year member of Burks United Methodist Church where she served in many different positions.

A Celebration of Life will be at Burks UMC, 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson TN 37343 at 6:30 pm Friday, July 17, Rev. Kim Dunn officiating, with a reception and visitation immediately following in the Narthex. Burial will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Summer Campership fund for Scouting America Troop 166 at Burks United Methodist Church, the troop's Charter Organization. Rheta's two sons, Doug and Grant, are Eagle Scouts from Troop 166, and Neil has been involved in scouting in the Chattanooga area for nearly 40 years. Rheta believed in the ideals of Scouting and Scouting's positive contributions to the lives of young people, including summer camp. Rheta was a progressive woman all her life and was pleased when Scouting America/BSA opened the program to young women. Rheta was always for the underdogs, the less fortunate, and the underserved.

Memorials may be mailed to the church at the address above or made online at Burks United Methodist Church (https://burksumc.churchcenter.com/giving), selecting Rheta Carriker Memorial from the drop-down menu.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com