Faith Collins Rhea

August 20, 2025 Harriet Faith Collins Rhea, age 81, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Marianna, Arkansas, on August 19, 2025, following a lengthy and courageous seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born September 5, 1943, in Forrest City and was the daughter of E.M. and Helen Greer Collins. Faith was a lifelong resident of her hometown until her illness required her to move in with her daughter, Robyn, of Marianna a few years ago. She was a wonderful mother, Mammy, and friend. She lived her life by example and loved being the hands and feet of Jesus. She always found good in every situation and in every person she encountered. She taught her children to serve others and to view life with gratitude, seeing the glass as half full, never half empty. Her favorite verse, Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you,” was not only her guide but her daily practice. Faith loved deeply, cared selflessly, and had a special place in her heart for both people and animals. Faith was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Forrest City where she diligently served and worshiped for many years. Whether she was teaching children’s Sunday school, singing in the choir, or lending a helping hand where needed, she did so without complaint and always with a joyful spirit. Later in life, she was involved in her church’s senior program “The Happy Dayers” as well as the disaster relief program. A graduate of Forrest City High School, Faith returned to her alma mater and taught school there until her retirement. She was a true-blue lifelong Mustang fan, and most Friday nights you would find her in the stands cheering loudly with friends Betty Beazley, Alice Adams, and Betty Mills. This group, affectionately known as “The Girls,” also traveled to many away games and proudly stood as some of the Mustangs’ most faithful supporters. Faith also served her community as a local 4H leader for over 40 years, investing her time and love in countless children who fondly remember her encouragement and care. She was a member of the Music Coterie and faithfully served on the St. Francis County Fair Board for fifty years. Faith was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Rhea Len Rhea Sipes; a great-grandchild, Brently Rhea Sipes; and her brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Betty Collins. She is survived by her two children: Robyn Rhea Pipkin and husband, Wade, of Marianna, and Raegan “Bubba” Rhea and wife, Sherry, of Forrest City, as well as her bonus daughter, Margy Cannon of Forrest City. She also leaves behind to cherish her memory five grandchildren: Meagan Pipkin, Maggie Hoskins, Molly Faith Bowman, Madison Walker, and Jordan Sipes; as well as eight great-grandchildren: Laura and Pipkin Beach, Anne-Helen and Catherine Hoskins, George and Rhea Bowman, and Campbell and Gibson Walker. She is also survived by one brother, Morgan Collins, and wife, Virginia; two sisters, Joy Harrison and Nancy Deisch, and husband, Peter; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. The family extends a very special “Thank you” to all who loved on Mom until the very end: Ann Collins Moody, who was there through the last few months—we could not have done it without you; Abby Parson, her constant companion and friend in recent years; and the staff at Gentiva Hospice—Valessa, Shelly, Nicole, Rennee, Hannah, and Mr. Tyrone Davis, who guided us with care and compassion through the last year and a half—we are forever grateful. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Forrest City on Thursday at 2:00 P.M., with burial in Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may visit stevensfuneralhome.net to sign the online registry.

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Faith Collins Rhea

September 5, 1943 - August 19, 2025