For all of us involved in Melungeon research, the loss of Johnnie Rhea is like the closing of a library. She was my mentor and my greatest supporter in the search for my own Collins family roots. Johnnie had incredible knowledge and an encyclopedic memory of the genealogy of East Tennessee families along with a willingness to freely share that knowledge with others. But most of all Johnnie was a person of impeccable character who brought great joy into the lives of those of us who shared a friendship with her. Sue and I certainly feel blessed to have been among the friends of Johnnie Rhea.
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Permalink Reply by Melungeon Heritage Association on -
Johnnie Gibson Rhea was the heart and soul of Melungeon Unions for the years I’ve attended, and her absence will be keenly felt by all members and friends of MHA. Just seeing Johnnie at the beginning of a Union lifted our spirits, and her Saturday afternoon sessions made a wonderful grand finale as she shared her memories and her handmade crafts. There may have been disputes involving other prominent figures in the Melungeon movement, but EVERYONE loved Johnnie and that is indisputable. Her loving, generous presence will be long remembered by friends throughout the United States.
Paul Johnson
Permalink Reply by Lynda Logan on
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Johnnie Rhea was just a special lady!!! I only met her for the first time in 2009 in Logan, but so looked forward to seeing her every year there after!!!
Last year when she told all of us that it would be her last Union I was heartbroken… BUT it won’t be her last Union because from now on she will be there with all of us – even if by Spirit… looking down on all that we do and say and I just hope and pray that we can continue to ‘make her proud’ of our Melungeon Heritage Association group.
RIP dear Johnnie…
all my love, Lynda
- Permalink Reply by Melungeon Heritage Association on
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from Gloria Gibson Sullivan,My sister Dawn Gibson and I first met Johnnie in 2010 in Vardy. We both were met with open arms by both Johnnie Rhea and Claude Collins outside Mahala Mullins cabin. The 1st question we were asked was “so what Gibson line are you from?” It took a minute for me to pull out my papers and then Johnnie and I sat in the church while she poured over the names…she finally said “you know I don’t think I know your line of Gibson’s”. I was heartbroken. My husband and I then saw her again at the MHA conference in Big Stone Gap and then again in Wytheville and at the hotel it was she who said “I know you from the visit in Vardy”…I almost cryed. She wanted those papers that I had showed her before and I handed them right over. She will live in my heart as the most gracious person and an example of thoughtfulness.2 pictures attached
- Permalink Reply by Melungeon Heritage Association on
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When I think of Johnnie I remember most of all her smile. And, the words genuine, generous, accepting, and trustworthy come to mind. I remember her donation of quilts and her love for genealogical research and her publications. I remember, too, her generosity to a young Turkish man who traveled from the Logan Union to Sneedville to connect with Melungeon history. I’m sure she left him with a good impression of the area and the people. She was a friend to many, those near and far. I look back with delight on having known Johnnie and talking with her at Unions over the years. She was always genuine and generous.
Scott Withrow
- Permalink Reply by Melungeon Heritage Association on
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I became acquainted with Johnnie after the first MHA union. A very close friendship developed from then on thru the years. When I first visited Johnnie in her home, I was amazed of all the valuable books, manuscripts, and records she had accumulated.
She later located my 4th generation family and sent me down the road of discovery. Her extensive knowledge of the families in that area was as if you were reading in an encyclopedia.
Her kindness, compassion and beautiful, gentle spirit will always hold a special place in my life. She is a giant in my admiration for her and her accomplishments. She was genuine, one of my best friends. We had weekly telephone visits and always ended our conversation with “I love you”, so dear friend I say once more “I love you”
Shirley & Chuck Hutsell
