Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 02, 2024 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Rebecca M. Kleinke, 77, of Columbia, who passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Forrest General Hospital. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. Dave Nichols will officiate the services. Mike Dickinson will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Rebecca was a school teacher for thirty 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 an faithful member of East Columbia Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and helped with many projects.  Rebecca 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; Brother, Richard McKenzie.

She is survived by 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; two Cousins, Ada Abernathy and Jane Sebesta (Charles).

Pallbearers will be Chris Kleinke, Roger Dickinson, Mike Dickinson, David Dickinson, Joe Beets, and Tadd Dalton. Honorary pallbearers will be Wade Neal, Russ Brown, and Grayson McDaniel.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com