of Little Rock, AR
October 28, 1968 - July 14, 2023
Nancy Lea Weir Rhea went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2023. She was born on October 28, 1968, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Bonner and Cora Weir. Nancy grew up in Charleston, Arkansas, graduating from high school there in 1987. She earned her bachelor's degree from Hendrix College in 1991 and later received her Master of Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas.
The first sixteen years of her career were spent as a therapist in Adolescent Medicine at Arkansas Children's Hospital, with a focus on eating disorders. She then worked for fourteen years in research compliance at UAMS, before retiring in April of this year.
Nancy loved cooking, traveling, reading and gardening, but her greatest joy was undoubtedly spending time with family and her wide network of friends. She faced an eighteen-month battle with cancer in the same way she lived her life- with courage, resolve, humor and grace. Nancy always carried a realistic optimism and a diplomatic honesty. She was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church and drew great strength from her faith. Though she will be greatly missed, her relational legacy will be forever with us.
Predeceased by her father, Bonner Weir; she is survived by her husband, Randy Rhea, of Little Rock; her mother, Cora Weir, of Charleston, AR; two sisters, Anne Theurich (Mike) of Springfield, MO and Sara Roland (Mark) and a niece, Anna Roland, all of Greenbrier, AR.
Burial will be at 10:00am, Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Garden of Memories in Charleston, AR. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, July 21, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist City Center or UAMS Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
I have just learned of Nancy's passing. She was my therapist for 5 years. I would walk into a session hopeless and leave filled with hope and faith. Her voice still echoes in my mind every single day. I will always count her as a huge blessing in my life.
I never got to hang out with you but your mom was one of my first grade teachers. I have been battling cancer myself since 2016. I'm so sorry. Cancer is hard. Fly with the angels!
I'm so sorry for your loss. Nancy was a sweet soul with a big heart. I know you will meet her again in Heaven. I'm praying for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Nancy lived in Gallowsy Hall at Hendrix our sophomore year at Hendrix.
Nancy was such a joy to know, first at UAMS, then at Pilates, then as a neighbor. I’m so sorry the world didn’t get more time to enjoy her light.
To Nancy's family and friends,
Although I knew Nancy only professionally, she was always an exuberant ray of optimistic sunshine, trying to improve our work in research integrity as much as possible. She always got the ball rolling, and inevitably caught the ball at the end of its long roll! My condolences to you all. May your many loving memories be a great comfort to all of you.
We so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers .
Sincerely, Mike and Janet Carmack
Randy, Will, Abbey and I are keeping you close in our hearts and will continue to pray for you and the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. One day at a time, Just one day at a time.
To Nancy's loving family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. We connected over CAbi clothes during our trips to the ARIO national meeting and continued to rely on each other across multiple state lines over the years. She was always willing to lend a hand, solve a problem, wax philosophical, talk fashion, and share a joke (or a conference beverage ticket ;) A true Southern lady who will be greatly missed.
I am heartbroken to read of Nancy's passing. She was such a bright spot in my day when I saw her. She will be missed. Prayers for peace and comfort. Joanie Kaut
Nancy was such a light in our studio. She brought joy to our staff and other members. We enjoyed having her over the years. Our entire studio is saddened by her passing. Sending condolences to the family.
This is very heartbreaking to hear. She and I would always have a quick chat when we saw each other. Her smile and spirit will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss and to hear of Nancy's illness and passing. I didn't know her well, but she was always so friendly and up-beat whenever I saw her at work or in the many Zoom sessions with the CRS program. She will be missed!
My condolences to the family . Although I did not have the honor of knowing her personally I work at UAMS and I know how much she will be missed . Rest peacefully
Nancy was simply 1st class and had a personality beyond measure. Her enthusiasm and energy was infectious. She was a role model for so many to follow. I can say God has blessed many lives including mine with Nancy crossing in it. I just picture Nancy sitting on Jesus knee and Him having trouble getting a word in edgewise.. Everyone who knew her, loved her...prayers for the family.
Nancy was such a force for positivity and wanted only to promote good things in life. I was fortunate to spend a year at Hendrix with her. I understand she helped many, and I will always remember her for her laugh and her love of life.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
To a friend that I started kindergarten with and finished high school with , you will be dearly missed. You were always a friend to all and always there for others. You will be so dearly missed . My prayers are for Randy and all your family.
Life is precious and so was Nancy. Prayers for her family in the coming days.
An absolutely wonderful person that lit up every room she entered. She entered my heart as a good friend that I will always cherish. Loved her authentic personality. We laughed a lot together. Seems like a bad dream that isn’t really happening
May God provide comfort and peace to you, Randy, and to all Nancy’s family who will miss her so much. She was a wonderful lady and we were blessed to know her.
Robert & I are sending prayers. We are so sorry for your lost .
Oh dear friend, my heart is saddened. Your beautiful smile will always shine bright.
Heavenly peace is thine.
Alma & Richard McNeary
Randy, Glenn and I are heart broken for your loss. Our entire family, including the now young adults you cared for, are all praying for God to surround you in his sea of serenity, bringing you peace, endurance, and comfort as only He can give. We treasure the good memories of Nancy, for she was a special , caring, lady who provided so much love and relief for those suffering in our confusing world. I know it is a comfort to know that you will see her again in Heaven with Jesus, a perfect world we are promised at salvation.
Praying, believing, hoping, knowing, loving,
Glenn and Teresa Walker
Randy, Charles and I are so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Rhea, am so sorry to hear about Nancy passing. My prayers for you and family during this time.
Dear Randy, Cora, Anne, and Sara, I was so terribly sad to hear the news of Nancy's passing. She was an amazing roommate during our freshman and sophomore years at Hendrix-- such an incredible sense of humor and compassion for everyone (and a gifted eye-roller when the occasion merited it!). My heart goes out to each of you and all of Nancy's loved ones. Requiescat in pace, dearest Nancy.
I'm heartbroken by this news. I have so many fond memories from so many years and all include that beautiful smile. I'm so sorry for your loss Randy and I will pray for you in the days ahead.
Randy, Rick and I are grieving over Nancy’s passing, but rejoicing that she is pain free and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Praying for you during this difficult time. Love you and your family.
My Sweet Sister, I am heartbroken at your loss. I remember the day you were born & the day you came home from the hospital. You have been a light in my life & a solid rock for me thru many things in life. I find it hard to believe you are gone and wonder about the future without you. I know you are with Daddy now in Heaven. Randy, you are a special man who has become such an invaluable member of this family. I love you & am holding you close in my heart. I love you both! Anne
Such beautiful person. I feel honored to have know work with Nancy and called her my friend. My prayers are with Randy and all of her family.
Nancy was walking sunshine. I loved seeing her over the years at UAMS and also occasionally outside of work. Her smile lit up the room and I am grateful I called her my friend.
I was saddened to see that Nancy had completed her earthly assignment.
I met her years ago at UAMS, and every since then, she was always very pleasant and kind each time we met. I will miss seeing her occasionally, and I offer my sincere prayers and condolences to her family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of your wife's illness and passing. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the joyful memories you share bring you comfort.
Dear Mr. Rhea, I am so very sorry for your loss. Nancy was such a joy to work with and be around. I pray for peace to comfort you in the days and years ahead.
Selma
Nancy was a dear friend to everyone that crossed her path. I will miss our deep conversations about anything and everything, and her joyful enthusiasm about life in general. I am truly blessed that she was in my life. I will miss her tremendously. Randy and family, my sincere condolences to you all.
Randy, I am so sorry about Nancy knowing full well she put up a valiant fight . I am praying for your comfort and healing as you grieve . I know both Nancy and you have confidence in the Lord working out everything for our good and His glory. You are loved and prayed for now and in the days to come.
Oh Randy, we are so sorry for this tremendous earthly loss for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and in the days ahead.
Donna & Doyle Dillahunty
Randy: We extend our love and sympathy to you at this time.
Lou and Bennie Sue
Randy,
We will miss Nancy’s wonderful smile and bubbly personality.
She was a dear neighbor.
Our prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Buddy & Connie
I just wanted you to know that there are communities at universities all across the country that benefited enormously from Nancy's camaraderie, her energy, her community spirit, and her wisdom. Her warmth and collegiality were deeply felt and deeply appreciated by all of us. Thank you for sharing her light with us.
Nancy will be so dearly missed. A gift she leaves with me is you are never too busy to stop and catch up with a friend and to buy those concert tickets and take that trip. Moments and relationships are important. Nancy, thank you for those reminders and for your friendship. Randy, you were a blessing to her beyond measure. You and all who mourn will be in my prayers.
Love you brother!
My heart is breaking to learn of Nancy's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless & comfort you in the days & weeks to come. My prayers are with you & sending my love...
Randy,
John & I are so very sorry to hear this! Many prayers for you!
Our deepest sympathy
John & Elaine
I will miss my dear friend greatly. Randy, you are in my prayers.
Paul and I are praying for you as you walk through this valley. Nancy will be greatly missed.
Randy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the God of peace and comfort be with you in the days ahead.
Love you buddy