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Obituary for Clifford Lee Ealey Rhymes
Dr. Clifford Lee Ealey Rhymes, a lifetime resident of Tattnall County, Collins, Georgia, was affectionately called "Cliffie". She was born on December 18, 1950 to the late Elder Willie Clifton Ealey, Sr. and the late Mrs. Mertice Eason Ealey in Collins, Georgia. One sister, Inell Pough Byrd, preceded her in death.
Clifford attended the Tattnall County public school system, and was a graduate of Tattnall County Industrial High School in Reidsville, Georgia. She attended Savannah State College, now Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia and received her Master of Education from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Dr. Ealey received a Doctorate of Religion from Trinity Temple College of Religion in Hinesville, Georgia.
She was a teacher for over thirty-nine years in the Tattnall County School System and was a member of the Georgia Retired Teachers Association. Clifford tirelessly served in her community, often returning to substitute in the school system she loved so dearly. When she wasn't working in the school system, you would find her busy serving in other organizations. Clifford was an active member of the Stars of Glennville, OES 162. She served as secretary of the Wilkerson Cemetery Foundation Fund of Collins and also the East Collins Community Center. She was also a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
Clifford was united in matrimony to Mr. Richard Rhymes, Sr. One son was born to this union and Clifford was honored to be the mother of three bonus children. At an early age she came to know her Lord and Savior at the New Bethhaven Primitive Baptist Church in Collins, Georgia, under the pastoral leadership of the late Elder Rufus Hodges. Clifford was a faithful member and served in many capacities on the local, state, and national levels. On her Christian journey, Clifford served as Church Secretary, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Choir Member, Church Mother, and a Deaconess on the Deaconess Board. She was a member of the New Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Association, serving as President of the Women's Congress, Dean of Religion of the Church Association School Convention, President of the Georgia State Primitive Baptist Church School Association, a member of the National Primitive Baptist Convention, Inc. USA, where she received numerous awards.
It's not how much you do but, how much love you put into what you do that matters. Clifford's life was dedicated to helping people. She love helping her family and she often volunteered her services for the church and community service. Her hobbies were baking her Cousin Carolyn's Sour Cream Pound Cake, tending her plants and flowers, and also collecting her "what nots". During the Christmas season, she loved competing in the Christmas decorations sponsored by the Garden Club.
The final call from God was received by Clifford on Sunday, September 20, 2020. She leaves the following loved ones to cherish fond memories: her husband: Mr. Richard Larry Rhymes, Sr.; one son, Mr. Richard Larry (Crenese) Rhymes, Jr.; three bonus children: Mr. Byron Ryhmes, and Mr. Orenthial Rhymes, both of Collins, Georgia and Mrs. Shirley (Kenny) Bowles of Hinesville, Georgia; two sisters: Mrs. Naomi Richardson of Tampa, Florida and Ms. Daisy Anthony of Miami, Florida; one brother, Mr. Willie (Dorothy) Ealey, Jr. of Savannah, Georgia; three sisters-in-law: Ms. Greta Morrison of Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Idella Roberts of Jacksonville, Florida, and Ms. Willie Rose of Savannah, Georgia; fifteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including Mr. Thomas Ealey and Mr. Robert Anthony, who were her inspiration as she grew up, a special niece, Ms. Gracie (Clarence) Hall; three Godchildren: a great-nephew, Deondre "Tweety Bird" Butler, Jalean Sanders and Brian Sanders; a special cousin, Rev. Brenda Nobles-Brown; The late Dea. Juttie and Mother Mary Jackson Family: Mrs. Annie L. Small, Mr. Muriel (Billy) Jackson, Mr. Roger Jackson, and her Godsister, Mrs. Mae Irish Small; and many other loving relatives and friends.
