Barbara Jean Cunningham Rhone

Mrs. Barbara Jean Rhone, beloved wife for over 48 years of Charles W. Rhone, transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home early Friday morning on March 17, 2023 in the comfort of her home.  Jean, as she was affectionally called by family, was the third child of nine children born to SFC Willie Caster Lee Cunningham Sr. (USA-RET) and Mrs. Geneva Alford Cunningham on October 6, 1941 in Mobile, Alabama.

Jean's early education began in schools located in Alabama and South Carolina before her military family was transferred to Virginia where they eventually settled in Aberdeen Gardens in Hampton.    Jean attended Y. H. Thomas Jr. High School and graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1959.  Encouraged by her parents, she attended Hampton Institute (University) where she majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and was initiated into the Gamma Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  Barbara graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963 and was the first in our family to graduate from college.  She was the catalyst for her younger siblings to seek higher education.

Barbara's professional career included teaching Science in Centreville, Maryland for 1 year, followed by 3 years at James Weldon Johnson High School in Yorktown, VA.  In 1967-68, she attended Michigan State University in East Lansing where she earned a Masters of Teaching (MAT) degree in 1968.  Additional post-graduate work was completed at William Paterson State Teachers College and in 1975 Certification in Administration was awarded from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Wayne, New Jersey. Jean LOVED teaching Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Oceanography. Additionally, for 5 years she served during the summer as the Academic Coordinator for the UPWARD BOUND program at Fairleigh Dickinson University.   After over 36 years of teaching and inspiring young people in the public schools, Jean retired from Bergen County Teaneck Public Schools System and relocated to Virginia to be closer to family. Post retirement and after a brief hiatus, Jean's passion for teaching led to her return to the classroom as a long-term substitute Science teacher at Phoebus High School in Hampton City Schools.

Because Jean enjoyed participating in community service activities and inspiring others to attain their highest potential, she vigorously reached out to her community.  As a charter member of the Bergen County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Teaneck, New Jersey she served as president for four years and chaired several committees.  She also was an active member of The Links Incorporated, having previously served as Vice President with the Bergen County, Teaneck, New Jersey Chapter as well as Vice President of the Hampton, Virginia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Barbara sought a spiritual home upon resettling in Virginia and after several months attending various local churches, she found a new sanctuary and joined hands in fellowship with Shiloh Baptist Church in Yorktown, VA which she described as having "a sweet, sweet spirit in this place .  .  .  ."  Barbara was a tireless, loving and giving worker at Shiloh.   As a faithful member, she immersed herself in several ministries---African American Affairs, Greeters Ministry, and Seasoned Saints.  She LOVED Shiloh and her church family.  She attended faithfully until declining health and the Covid 19 pandemic prevented her from doing so.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by two sisters:  Kathryn Miles-Sabb and Brenda C. Mauney (Melville) and two brothers:  Ronald B. Cunningham Sr. (Delia) and Wade A. Cunningham.   Those left to cherish her memory include her Loving husband, Charles; Brothers:  Willie C. L. Cunningham Jr. (Sugarland, TX); Cary D. Cunningham Sr. (Roslyn) and Sisters:  Janice C. Wilson (Alvin) Hampton, VA; Pamela C. Sookins (John) Chesterfield, VA as well as 19 nieces and nephews; a host of Great-nieces and nephews, Cousins, Best friends Sandra Bryant and Harriett Gregg, and many loving relatives and  friends.

Barbara Jean Cunningham Rhone may have been perceived as the quietest member of the Cunningham family but she could be assertive when a voice of reason—tempered with love, was needed. Jean was Love Personified -- Agape Love .  She loved her God, family, friends and students. You not only knew it—you felt it-- in every fiber of your being.  Mrs. Barbara Jean Cunningham Rhone was first, last, and always a lady--a phenomenal woman of impeccable taste, values, because Science was not the only lessons she taught.  Her legacy is the lessons she imparted of integrity,  excellence, perseverance, and encouraging everyone to pursue with vigor their dreams—lessons on life and love that never become antiquated.  To God be the Glory for placing this disciple of Christ in our lives.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN HONOR OF BARBARA RHONE

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Hampton Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship Fund {1706 Todds Lane #259, Hampton, VA 23666}

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES FOR BARBARA RHONE

Viewing will be held at O. H. Smith Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave., Newport News on Friday, March 24 beginning at 3:00 pm followed by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Omega Omega Service at 5:00 pm and The Links Incorporated Memorial Service.  A Celebration of Life for Barbara C. Rhone will be held at Shiloh Baptist  Church in Yorktown on Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 am followed by interment at Hampton Memorial Gardens.   O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.