Rhonda Chavis-Blair

Rhonda Chavis-Blair, 76 years of age, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 at our home in Harrisburg, IL.  She was born October 20, 1947 in rural Carrier Mills, IL to the late Evelyn Chavis and Charles Martell Chavis.  She is survived by her sister Marsha Quinzy, deceased brother Charles “Micky” Chavis and another surviving sister, Terrie Thomas.  Rhonda graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1965 and also graduated from Southeastern IL College.  She worked her entire career with the USFS/Shawnee National Forest in Harrisburg, IL, while she raised her two children, Eric Chavis who lives in San Antonio, TX and Mesha Chavis-Owczarzak(Kevin) who lives in Fulshear, TX.   Rhonda was married to Drew Blair on November 28, 1995 and with this union, she gained two daughters, Brandi Bills(Drew) and Mena O’Connor(Matt).  She has five wonderful grandchildren, Riley Owczarzak, Fagan and Blair O’Connor, and Dax and Brittain Bills.  She also has five wonderful nieces and nephews, Jennifer Garnett, Charles Garnett, Danny Quinzy, Aja Chavis, Russia Chavis, Charles Martell Chavis III and so many cousins that were more like sisters and brothers to her.  Rhonda enjoyed an active lifestyle which included cycling, hiking, walking, swimming, kayaking and just about anything outdoors. In her spare time, she loved cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends which she dearly loved. She was a devout Christian and attended the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, IL.  She also enjoyed watching  Central Christian Church out of Mt. Vernon, IL on Sunday mornings as well.  She loved reading her Bible with one of her favorite verses being “Do not be afraid-I am with you! I am your God-Let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you”, ISAIAH 41 verse 10.  And with one last comment, so many people loved her and cherished her friendship with these folks saying that she always had kind words for everyone.  Nina, you will be dearly missed. No public services are planned at this time. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com