Rebecca "Becky" Sebring

Rebecca “Becky” Thomas Sebring passed away peacefully on the evening of April 20, 2016 at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope, AL. A long-time Fairhope resident, Rebecca was 77. She was born in Walnut Grove, MS on August 31, 1938 and her family moved to Fairhope in 1949 where she eventually attended Fairhope High School. She loved to reminisce about the time she was a majorette with the high school band and performed in the production of “Singing in the Rain.” During her early adult life she had an opportunity to travel and live in Germany and Maryland while raising her three children. She gained a lifetime of wonderful relationships, friends and memories. She returned to Fairhope in 1975. Rebecca loved her family and her friends. She was driven to encourage those she loved. She took it on as a mission to share how their abilities were without limits. She continually communicated her vision that everyone should do those disciplines that would help improve their minds. She strongly encouraged others to develop their inner strengths, independence and to take action. Rebecca was passionate in all walks of her life. Rebecca’s love of books and the value of the local library were passed down to her children and to anyone else she could motivate. She began checking out books from the library as a young girl and continued this weekly visit until just recently. She is lifetime member of Friends of the Fairhope Library. Always up for challenges and valuing higher learning, she returned to college and graduated From the University of South Alabama in 1980. She had an extreme appreciation for the importance of education. Other areas of “education” for Rebecca involved her love for the game of Bridge. She was a member of the Eastern Shore Duplicate Bridge Club at the Fairhope Nix Center and was a Life Master. She loved to complete (not just start) crossword puzzles. Her love of the arts ranged from the long standing family tradition of “everyone colors in the Christmas Coloring Book” to her membership and support of the Eastern Shore Art Association. She loved classical music and anyone entering her home would have their ears greeted by her radio which was constantly tuned to NPR. Though she was right handed, she definitely leaned to the left. She loved politics and was very active in local and national races. She ran for city council, encouraged voter registration and even marched in Chicago for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. She had an unwavering and firm conviction that women (and sometimes men) could accomplish and do anything if they put their mind to it. Always one for entertaining, Rebecca enjoyed hosting family gatherings, introducing her grandchildren, nieces and nephews to high stakes penny poker and Scrabble games. She enjoyed celebrating the holidays with flare and would even dress up as a witch with a caldron on her front porch to trick or treat children at Halloween. Many family and friends have wonderful memories of Christmas gatherings, White Elephant gift exchanges and birthday celebrations. The famous yellow round table in her kitchen was always full with house guests. There were many, many, many late night, heartfelt discussions on all subjects. The town of Fairhope held a special place in Rebecca’s life. One of her highlights was being a small business owner with her husband Stan. They owned and operated a gift and decorative accessories shop in downtown Fairhope called Objects for about seven years. They are fondly remembered for providing friendly personalized service accompanied by a great cup of coffee. She loved keeping the books, serving customers, going to market and dressing as Mrs. Santa Claus alongside her Mr. Santa Claus of 35 years during the Christmas Holidays. Becky was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Air Force Colonel Stanley Richard Sebring, her parents, William Lloyd Thomas and Myrtis Farmer Thomas, and her brother William Harold Thomas. Survivors include her three children, Thomas Howard Rush (Mary Lou), Patricia Rush Merck (Jim), Melissa Rush Phillips (Bryan), eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Additionally she is survived by three brothers, Perry Farmer Thomas (Betty), James Lloyd Thomas (Diane), Joseph Paul Thomas and one sister, Rachel Valera Thomas Reves (Bart)—and many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 25 at 11 AM at Homestead Village, 924 Plantation Blvd Fairhope, Alabama 36532. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Eastern Shore Art Association, 401 Oak Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532 or to Friends of the Fairhope Library, c/o Fairhope Public Library, 501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532. ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.19698 GREENO ROADFAIRHOPE, AL 36532(251)990-7775