Rhiannon "Rea" Barden

Rhiannon “Rea” Barden, age 26, was met at the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, February 14, 2022 by her faithful companion, Smoke. Rea was born in Augusta and grew up in Elberton.She attended Elbert County Schools and later graduated as the valedictorian of Barnes Academy in Hartwell.Rea went on to graduate from Emmanuel College with a B.S. (pre-law concentration). With a natural aptitude for music, Rea shared her love of music and natural talent with her numerous students in the community.In addition to playing the guitar and singing, she enjoyed riding horses as a child. Rea will be forever remembered for her giddy spirit, her radiant smile, and her bright nature.She never entered a room that wasn’t changed by her cheerful presence. She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Charlotte Adams, and Richard and Emily Barden. Rea leaves behind a host of friends and family that includes her mother, Judy Ann Barden of Elberton; father, Shannon Barden of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandparents, Billy and Barbara Churney of Elberton; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.She is also survived by the men who took her under their wing and loved her as their own- her “adopted” father, Ronnie Haley; her great uncle, Aubrey Barden; and close family friends, Dwight Black and Allen “Cement” Black. The family received friends at 12 noon on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Hicks Funeral Home.A Celebration of Rea’s life followed at 2:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel with family friend Rev. Joe Young officiating.Serving as pallbearers were Chris Fuqua, Brandon Fuqua, Ricky Fuqua, Cody Fuqua, and Ryan Brown.Intermentfollowed at Elmhurst Cemetery. Arrangements for Rhiannon “Rea” Barden were in the care of Hicks Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elberton.