Edna Aileen Rhea

Aileen Rhea, 89, passed away Monday (February 15, 2016) at her home with her loving son and daughter-in-law by her bedside. Aileen was born June 27, 1926 in Sullivan County, TN to the late William (Bill) & Margaret (Mag) Tallman Hicks. Aileen was a well-known seamstress. Aileen owned and operated her own business, Rhea’s Custom Draperies, close to 50 years. Aileen was a loving, self-determined, independent woman. Aileen was a member of Hulls Chapel United Methodist Church from 1958 to 1995. She was later a member of Blountville Christian Church. She will be greatly missed by all. In addition to her parents, Aileen was preceded in death by her husband, Jessee Clyde Rhea; sister, Juanita Hicks Cross; brother, Earnest (Bud) Hicks; great-grandson, Tucker Mynhier; and her second husband, J.B. Smith. Aileen is survived by her loving son, Larry Rhea & wife Carolan; sister, Mellagay Hicks Walters; brother, Wayne Hicks & wife Juanita; a granddaughter; a great-grandson; two step-daughters, Judy Smith and Geneva Sullivan; and a host of friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday (February 18, 2016) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home in Kingsport, Tennessee. Funeral services will immediately follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Byrd and Rev. Millard Johnson officiating. Committal services will be held Friday afternoon (February 19, 2016) at 1:00 p.m. in the Garden of Hope at East Lawn Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Wellmont Bristol Hospice House (280 Steeles Rd. Bristol, TN 37620) or Hulls Chapel United Methodist Church (c/o Karla Cox, 3453 Devault Bridge Rd., Piney Flats, TN. 37686). The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wellmont Hospice for the care and support given to the Rhea family. Online condolences may be made to the Rhea family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Rhea family.