Barbara was born in Ottawa, Illinois to Clyde Robert and Rubie Hendrickson Chick on December 4, 1928.
Due to health concerns for Rubie, the family moved to Arizona and then to Texas, where Rubie passed away at age 37, leaving Barbara to be the caregiver to little sister, Norma.
After graduating from Pasadena High School in 1946, Barbara worked for A.B. Lewis Finance
where she met her husband, Philip "Kent" Rhea. They married on September 16, 1948 and began to build their family in the South Houston area where they were actively involved at First Baptist Church South Houston, teaching all three children the love of Jesus.
Barbara impacted countless lives as she shared her love for music in various ministries: church pianist, children's choir director, member of the choir and hand bell choir. She also led in the Women's Missionary Union, taught various Sunday School Departments, participated in student ministry camps and activities and worked as the church secretary.
Barbara was employed as a bookkeeper at Sears, Gulf Finance and Pasadena ISD and retired at 82 years of age from First Baptist Church South Houston. The scripture, Colossians 3:23, described her perfectly: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men."
A few years after Kent's passing, Barbara joined First Baptist Church Pasadena and continued ministering to others by leading a Sunday School class, singing in the choir, playing in the hand bell choir and participating in the Keenagers.
Barbara never met a stranger and lived a life full of joy. Every chance she had, she would tell you about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and most importantly about her Savior.
Barbara is survived by her sister, Norma Dickey, her three children and their spouses, David Rhea (IvaNell), Donald Rhea (Beverly), Pam Dishongh (David), her grandchildren, Sean Rhea (Jennifer), Brandi Compton (Alex), Courtney Thibodeaux (Chris), Adam Dishongh (Courtney), Brett Dishongh, Kit Sloan (Weldon) and Kallie Rhea and great-grandchildren, Avery and Annise Thibodeaux, Riley Kent, and Kyler Rhea, Betty Ann Sloan, Elle, Caroline and Saxon Compton.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for He has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6 from 5:00-7:00PM in the stateroom of Grand View Funeral Home. A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held Friday, October 7 at 11:30AM at First Baptist - Pasadena located at 7500 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. Immediately following, she will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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