Rhea Thames Conger

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rhea Thames Conger. Rhea was born on February 8, 1949 and became one of God’s angels on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Rhea was surrounded by family as she passed away peacefully at Lexington Medical Center. 

Rhea was born in Columbia, SC. Around the age of ten, she moved to Maryland where they lived for several years and she graduated from Parkville High School. Shortly after graduation, she returned to SC to live by family and eventually met her husband, Jack. Together they built a life together and had three daughters, eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She retired from Richland School District 1 and had a soft heart for all of the children at her school.  Rhea was a great friend to many and a lot of those friends she kept for a lifetime. Her family and friends are who she lived for.  

Rhea was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband of 51 years, Jack Conger and her parents, Alfred and Sarah Thames.

She is survived by her three daughters and one son in law, Melinda McFee (Justin), Stacy Jeffcoat (Mike), Hope and DJ McFadden; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Jose), Baileigh (Jeremy), Emilee, Walker, Faith (Fritz), Kyle, Arley and Alex; seven great-grandchildren, Danyelle, Tony, Brooke, Grayson, Kaydence, Braylon, and Everleigh; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Smithwick.

Rhea loved her family BIG. She had a way of making sure everyone knew they were loved. She was an active part of all of their lives. She attended countless celebrations and school functions, and you could always find her at a baseball field watching one of her favorites play her favorite game. There was never a time that she didn’t “show up” for the people she loved. 

Rhea was one of the strongest people known. Throughout her life she had faced many obstacles and always came out on the other side, even stronger.  In the last three years she had encountered several medical issues. She fought with tremendous strength, unwavering courage and grace. Rhea’s legacy of love, strength, perseverance and friendship will be carried on by everyone that knew her. She is remembered as a true warrior.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 609 Northwood Rd. Lexington, SC. A funeral service will then be held at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd. Columbia, SC. Following the funeral, a memorial celebration for Rhea will be held at 577 Plymouth Pass Drive Lexington, SC. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

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