Rhonda Rouse

We celebrate the life and cherish the memory of Rhonda Gay Rouse, a woman of profound faith and unwavering love, who was called home to be with the Lord on the 3rd of May, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. Rhonda, born on Independence Day in 1953 in Crossett, Arkansas, was an inspiration and joy to all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends.

Rhonda, was a devoted wife to her husband of almost fifty-one years, Billy Joe Rouse. Their union was a testament to love's enduring strength, having been joined in holy matrimony on the 2nd of June, 1973, in her hometown of Crossett, Arkansas. Together, they embarked on a journey of faith and fellowship, serving the Lord with grace and dedication.

Blessed with a nurturing spirit, Rhonda embraced her role as a mama bear homemaker, pouring her heart into raising three beautiful daughters—Laura Freeze (David), Joy Ross (George) and Leah Parsons (Sam). She instilled in them the values of love, faith, and compassion, which shine brightly in their lives to this day. Her love extended to her siblings, Jimmy Jeffress (Carol), Gene Jeffress, Dovie Ann Bussell (Rodd), and Tammy Bussell, who will deeply miss their sister's guidance and warmth.

Rhonda's life was further enriched by the joy of her grandchildren—Billi Jo Freeze, Isabella and Georgiana Ross, Israel, and Sterling Judah Parsons—who knew her as a grandmother with a heart as grand as the heavens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Mildred McAdams Jeffress, and siblings, Roney Mack Jeffress, Judy Head, and Bobby Allen Jeffress, who have welcomed her home.

Rhonda's life was a melody of love and service. Growing up in a musical family, The Jeffress Family Singers, she inherited a talent for song and an amazing gift for the piano that she shared generously. Her voice was not just one of melody but of unwavering support for her husband as they served churches from Fort Smith and Norphlet, Arkansas to Plano and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Lumberton, Mississippi and Baltimore, Maryland. They also traveled in full time evangelism with their 3 girls singing and ministering for seven years. As a current member of The Bend Church in Cookeville, TN, her presence was a blessing to the congregation.

The words that best describe Rhonda are beautiful, loving, talented and faithful. She lived her life as a reflection of the Lord's love, touching everyone she met with her gentle spirit and loving nature. Rhonda was a beacon of light in every community she graced, and her legacy of love and music will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Rhonda's life at a memorial service to be held at 6:30 pm on Monday, May 6th, at Cookeville Freewill Baptist Church. Visitation will precede the service from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, where we shall share stories, shed tears, and celebrate the life of a woman who was truly a servant of God and a guardian of her family.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Jeffress/Phillips Music, P. O. Box 424 Crossett, AR, 71635. www.jeffressphillipsmusic.org.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.