Rhea Simpson Oglesbee died May 11, 2015 in Jacksonville, Texas. She was born in Clovis, New Mexico to William Ernest Simpson and Adeline Bain Simpson. She and her family followed her father’s job with the Santa Fe Railroad around the state. She graduated from high school in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
She came to Texas just before the the outbreak of World War II. She went to work at Consolidated Shipyard, a U.S. government facility in Orange, Texas. It was there she met Clint Oglesbee, whom she married in September, 1945. They remained in Orange 22 years. Rhea enrolled in Lamar University, where she earned her BA and MA in English. She taught 10th grade English at Stark High School until 1967. She and Clint then moved to Houston, where she began a thirty year career with San Jacinto College. During her tenure, she taught reading and writing comprehension, began and managed the English as a Second Language program for foreign students, and served as Registrar of Students. She considered her crowning achievement the award of a PhD in English based on her dissertation titled “The Theme of Suffering in Old English Literature.” After her retirement at age 75, she transferred her considerable talent and teaching experience to Houston Community College, where she taught as an adjunct professor until age 89.
Rhea was passionate about teaching, and her commitment to communication skills and community based education was truly inspiring. She will be warmly remembered by many friends and former students. She was a loving wife to Clint, a dedicated mother to Adele, and a devoted grandmother to Clinton. She loved family, literature, and the mountains of her youth. Her Christian faith always sustained her, and she was a faithful member Glenbrook United Methodist Church in Houston.
She is predeceased by her husband, her parents, two sisters and four brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Adele Hedges and her husband Dan and by her grandson Clinton Hedges. She also leaves behind many deeply loved nieces and nephews, especially Jewel Pittman, who cared for her so attentively her last three years.
A gathering of Mrs. Oglesbee’s family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m, with her funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze. Her interment will follow at Old Hardin Cemetery, Kountze.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Jacinto College Foundation, 4624 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
