Catherine Haynes Rhea

CATHERINE HAYNES RHEA WEAVERVILLE – Catherine Haynes Rhea, age 104 died Sunday, February 7, 2016 at the Baptist Home at Richmond Hill. Mrs. Rhea was born December 2, 1911 in Swannanoa to the late Samuel Washington and Una Mae Hensley Haynes. She was a long time resident of the Beech community and graduate of Woodfin High School, where she played basketball. She enrolled in the Asheville Normal College and received her credentials as an elementary school teacher and taught the fourth grade for thirty seven years before retiring in 1973 from Weaverville Elementary school. While teaching at Weaverville, she was honored as “Special Teacher”. Catherine was a long time member of the Beech Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday school and was honored with a certificate of appreciation for her “dedication and service” from the Reems Creek Presbyterian Parish. She also received “Honorary Life Membership” from Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Church, USA. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. She was also preceded in death by the great love of her life, her husband James Robert Rhea known as “Jim Bob”, who died in 1993. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 23, 1991. She is survived by one nephew, Harvey Lee Haynes, of Asheville; and a special friend, Hazel Penland of Woodfin. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 11, 2016, in Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Jay Rabuck officiating. Burial will be in West Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church thirty minutes prior to the service. West Funeral Home, Weaverville is in charge of the arrangements. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider Reems Creek-Beech Presbyterian Church, 4 Sugar Cove, Weaverville, NC 28787 or Eliada Home for Children, PO Box 16708, Asheville, NC 28816. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Catherine’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.