Alice Zheng Rhett

Alice Runping Zheng Rhett, of Alton, VA passed away on May 28.2024. She was born to Bingquan Zheng and Wenxian Chen on October 23, 1957 in Shanghai, China. After high school in 1976, she was sent to a rural farm by the government to work as a laborer in the field. The first-year higher education was resumed in China, Alice managed to pass the entrance exam and returned to college in early 1978. Due to her parents working away, Alice practically raised her younger brother during his preschool years. He had completed his third-grade education before reaching his elementary school age in 1974, which set him up for later success in life.

In 1986, Alice came to the United States to pursue her dream with no money in her pocket but with a brilliant mind and determination to succeed. She received her Master’s Degree in education from UCLA in 1988 and started to work at the University of Humanistic Studies where she met her late husband, Dr. Leigh C Rhett. They were married in 1993. Alice continued her education from UCLA and received her Doctorate Degree in education in 1996. Alice retired at the age of 50 in 2006 from Scripp Institute of Oceanography of UCSD where she was the Management Services Officer for Graduate School. Thereafter, she moved with Leigh to Virginia to start their retirement life after living and working in California for 20 years.

Alice was a caring and loving person. She loved her family and her friends. She loved the history, the culture, the community and especially the people of this great state of Virginia. She always helped people in need and stood up for fairness. She lived a low profile, tranquil and spiritual life. She was well loved by everyone around her. We know life will be different without Alice, but she will always be with us in our hearts.

Left to cherish her memory are:

Mother

Wenxian Chen, who is 96 years old and lives in Shanghai

Siblings

Runze Zheng (Xiaying Chen) of Shanghai, China

Kelly Runwei Zheng (Xiao Zeng) of Sugar Land, Texas

Nephews 

Shujie Zheng of Shanghai, China

Scott Zheng of Sugar Land, Texas

Stephen Zheng of New York City

The Zheng Relatives 

The Chen Relatives 

All her dear friends

Preceded in death by

Her husband, Dr. Leigh C Rhett

Her father, Bingquan Zheng

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:00am at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville, VA with the Rev. Ian Rigney officiating.

 For memorials, please consider a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592