Rebecca M. Kleinke
77, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Rebecca M. Kleinke, 77, of Columbia, who passed away on Saturday, June 29, in Hattiesburg. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Rev. Dave Nichols officiated at the services. Mike Dickinson provided special music. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of the services on Tuesday, July 2, at Hathorn Funeral Home.
She was a schoolteacher for 30 years, where she taught the gifted program and English. In 1979, she was elected teacher of the week. She loved sunflowers and really enjoyed working in the yard. In 1966, she was crowned Miss Hospitality of Marion County and went on to compete in the state pageant in Biloxi. She was a faithful member of East Columbia Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and helped with many projects. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in gifted education and secondary education from William Carey. She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter Marion 94. She deeply loved her family and spending time with them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Carl Kleinke III; daughter, Mary Shannon Kleinke; father, B.F. McKenzie; mother, Mary Letha Welch McKenzie; and brother, Richard McKenzie.
Survivors include her son, Chris Kleinke; daughter, Evelyn Kleinke-Prine (Chris); five grandchildren, Megan McDaniel, Alana Maliden-Neal (Wade), Sarah Maliden (Cyle), Presleigh Wallace (Andrew) and Caragan Kleinke; sister, Dot Fortenberry; three great-grandchildren, Grayson McDaniel, Kodi Paul and Jody Neal; great niece, Tessa Brown; and two cousins, Ada Abernathy and Jane Sebesta (Charles).
Pallbearers were Chris Kleinke, Roger Dickinson, Mike Dickinson, David Dickinson, Joe Beets and Tadd Dalton. Honorary pallbearers were Wade Neal, Russ Brown and Grayson McDaniel.
Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
