Rhonda Zacharias

WHEATON, Ill. -- Rhonda McLemore Zacharias, 56, died peacefully in the morning sun Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.

Formerly of Scott County, Missouri, Rhonda lived her final days, surrounded by family, at Seasons Hospice Center in Naperville, Illinois.

Rhonda was diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer in February 2018. Though this disease is what eventually took her life, it will not be what defines her legacy. She is remembered as a larger-than-life personality with a fervent love for her friends, family and children. Her smile lit the darkest days of life, and her wit lightened the heaviest moments. Her love for the Lord motivated her to live humbly and generously, and she remained unwaveringly faithful until He finally called her to her heavenly home.

Rhonda was born in Cape Girardeau in 1963 to Wanda McLemore and Rocky Bierschwal and was graciously raised by Betty and Lloyd Green. All four of her loving parents preceded her in death. She is survived by five siblings, Linda Wadlington (67), Brenda Edmonds (65), Tammy Dabbs (54), Tony Bierschwal (52) and Shawn King (48).

Rhonda grew up on her family's farm, where she fostered a lifelong love for animals. She rescued pets from the time she was a little girl, and she spent her last moments beside her Shih Tzu, Barbara Jean. She was proud to be raised on the farm where she learned to bale hay, catch chickens, birth calves, milk cows, can food and, most importantly, drive a four-speed tractor before she could drive a car. She was so very proud of her Missouri roots, which taught her to be unshakably strong, brave, resourceful and creative.

Rhonda's parents gave her the ultimate gift of knowing Christ by raising her in the Christian faith at Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City where she was baptized and confirmed. It was in this church Rhonda first became infatuated with the harmonious sound of the pipe organ. Though she was only 11, she felt called to learn and play this instrument. Her mother drove her to Cape Girardeau each week for lessons, and she practiced on an electric plastic organ no larger than a typewriter. By 16, she played full services at Eisleben on Sunday mornings. Her humble musical beginnings led to a passion for music that guided, shaped and inspired her for the rest of her life.

Rhonda attended Illmo-Scott City schools from kindergarten until she graduated high school in 1981. Though Rhonda shined in every extracurricular she tried -- from volleyball to poms to Thespian -- her most memorable and successful moments from high school were as a member of the marching band.

Rhonda's musical talent led her to Murray State University on a band scholarship. She played clarinet in the marching band for one year and became the president of the Little Sisters of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. During her years at Murray, she continued her organ career by playing at Immanuel Lutheran Church and St. Leo's Catholic Church. Rhonda initially dreamed of becoming a band teacher, but ultimately she was drawn to the strategy and writing she learned in journalism and advertising classes. She graduated from the Journalism School in 1986.

Rhonda is survived by her ex-husband, Alan Zacharias (58), who she married at Eisleben in 1986. Their marriage took them from Scott City to Southern California, where Rhonda served as music director, teacher and daycare director at Trinity Santa Ana. Rhonda poured hours of work into directing summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs. Her work with VBS was inspired by the summers she spent as a child at Eisleben. Her dedication to church youth continued through her work with VBS programs at almost every church where she was a member.

Rhonda let her natural event planning skills flourish in River Forest as the Director of University and Alumni Events at Concordia University Chicago. Her vivacious talent reinvigorated the department, and she quickly became known for throwing unforgettable special events, such as the inaugural Garnet and Gold Gala. Her time at Concordia also deepened her love for music through loving friendships with people she regarded as the most talented musicians in the church.

In 2001, Rhonda and Alan moved their family back to Southeast Missouri, where she became Saxony Lutheran High School's first director of development. She directed the first major campaign that raised funds to build the school's permanent home in Jackson. Rhonda's passion for Lutheran education allowed Saxony to build a campus where more than 600 graduates have become educated leaders and Crusaders for the Lord.

Rhonda thrived in her most recent position as counter manager for Jo Malone London at Neiman Marcus. Rhonda never looked happier than when she was at work, helping a customer find the perfect fragrance. She radiated charm and professionalism, loved her work, her product and more than anything, her people. The Neiman Marcus family surrounded Rhonda and her family with love and support when she was diagnosed with cancer just six months after she joined their team.

Rhonda had a unique talent for quickly turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. Many of Rhonda's friends have never met, but they could all agree she is at least one thing: fun. She loved to be in the front row with her children or her Jovi sisters, dancing and singing every word to Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Mathis, Donny Osmond, Meghan Trainor and Breaking Benjamin. She planned St. Patrick's Day weekends to bring her friend groups together, she threw extravagant graduation parties for her children, and she took to the dance floor every chance she could get.

Rhonda will forever be remembered as the consummate hostess. She came alive when planning an event, her eyes lit with the eagerness of entertaining a crowd. Whether it were a Concordia alumni event, a political fundraiser, a Halloween party or a party "just because," she devoted her full attention to the smallest of details. Her personality grew even larger when the first guests would arrive, as she ushered them inside to immediately offer them a drink. No one ever left her home thirsty, hungry or without a story to tell.

Rhonda loved musical theater, and attended countless Broadway shows since her first trip to New York City in 1985. She carried on the tradition to her daughter, Lily, who performed in several high school productions. Rhonda threw herself into the world of high school theater when a last minute costume designer was needed for the spring musical. In just three weeks, she costumed the large cast in beautiful turn-of-the-century formal wear. Her visionary talents for set design and costumes brought magic to the stage at five Wheaton North High School productions.

Rhonda faced her illness with bravery, grace and humor. She befriended doctors and nurses, and wrote beautifully about the horrific ways her body was betraying her. She made her last imprint on her dedicated Seasons Hospice team, who took care of her for the last six months of her life. Her team remembers her dedication to Southern hospitality and great storytelling, even while she suffered great pain. They admired her strength, her vast knowledge of music and theology, and the love she shared with her children.

Rhonda is survived by her two most precious gifts, her son, Holden Thomas George (27) and her daughter, Lillian Grace Louise (24). Rhonda's spirit is alive in her children -- through Holden's musicality, love for animals and giving heart, and through Lily Grace's sharp humor, charisma and creative writing. She taught her children to be kind, to be smart, to be silly, to be fun, to be loyal and most of all, to love deeply. She fought tirelessly to provide Lily and Holden the best life she could give them, and she will be forever remembered as their fiercest advocate and closest friend. Rhonda is preceded in death by her son, Christian Gabriel, who was called to heaven before he took his first breath on earth.

Rhonda was blessed with a large extended family. She will be remembered as the string that tied everyone together; a beloved friend to even her most distant cousins. Rhonda ran the McLemore Family Facebook group, where she gave birthday wishes and family updates, and posted every old photo she had collected through the years. Rhonda loved to plan family reunions, where nearly100 people would gather in Cape Girardeau to celebrate their grounded yet flowering family tree. She is survived by dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins, 22 nieces and nephews, and 16 great nieces and nephews, which she affectionately called her "niblets." She was a loving godmother to Meagan, Tasha, Chris, Rachel, Lori, Nick, Jillian and Tanner, who she surely continues to bless from heaven. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents John and Grace McLemore and Avery and Jane Green.

Rhonda's wish as she faced her cancer diagnosis was to spread awareness about the importance of regular colonoscopies. It is a procedure that many avoid, but one that would have saved her life had she known to schedule it earlier. Through her advocacy over the last two years, she convinced several friends to schedule their colonoscopies, where precancerous polyps were found and safely removed. Rhonda wanted nothing more than to prevent the spread of this disease. This wish developed into Lily's forever mantra: "Hug your mom, and tell her to get a colonoscopy."

A visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Home. A public viewing will also be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Eisleben Lutheran Church, followed by a funeral and burial at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Rhonda asked memorials be directed to Eisleben Lutheran Church VBS Program, Concordia Chicago Department of Music and Redeemer Lutheran Church of Elmhurst, Illinois.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.