Mildred Rhodes

Mildred Rhodes of Escatawpa, MS, relinquished her earthly duties to accept a higher calling on June 3, 2017 at the age of 96.
Her journey of life began on December 9, 1920 when she was born to Wendell and Minnie Worley near Andalusia, AL. One of 11 children, she grew up on a farm where she became accustom to hard work. No matter if she was washing clothes, picking cotton, or cooking, she gave it all she could. During her late teen years, she began working at the local textile factory to earn extra income to support her family. After returning from the Pacific at the end of WWII, Walter Rhodes, finally convinced her to become his bride and they were married on June 11, 1949 in Lucedale, MS. Needing to start a family of their own, they moved to and settled in Escatawpa in 1951. She resided in the house they built with their own hands, until her departure from this life. During her life she touched untold numbers of lives. She can be remembered for her many years at Bud Sherman's Grocery and her long tenure at Mack's Pharmacy, both in Escatawpa. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living member of The Community of Christ Church (formerly known as the RLDS Church) in Escatawpa. She loved the Lord with all her heart and worked diligently throughout her years to support her church family in any way possible. She is remembered for her faithful years as the Woman's Leader for the church and her hard work fueled by her dedication and devotion to serving her Lord and King, Jesus. Up until two months ago, she could be found out in her yard raking leaves, cutting grass, or trimming bushes on a daily basis.
She is preceded in death by her parents, W.C. and Minnie Lee Worley; her brothers, Clint, Curtis, ; Douglas, Elmer, Malcom, Morgan, and Thadis; her sisters, Nobie and Nora; her faithful husband of 56 years, Walter preceded her in death 12 years ago. She is survived by her only child, son Leslie Walter Sr., and the best Daughter-in-Law she could have ever had, Deborah, his wife. They live in Helena where they serve as Pastor of Helena Presbyterian Church. She has two grandchildren, Leslie II and his wife Echo of Vancleave and Tabitha and her husband Dwain Vice of Helena. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Morgan, Harley, Ashton, Brooklyn, and Garrison. Her only surviving sibling, Mavis Linzy currently lives in Foley, AL. She will be sadly missed by her nephews Wayne and Kevin, along with numerous other nieces and nephews. Her friends would be impossible to mention by name as there are so many lives she has touched with her kindness, warmth, generosity, and love.
The family wishes to graciously thank Southern Care Hospice for their care and concern over the last days of her life. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Paige, Sabrina, Chaplain Les, Melanie, Laura, and Shyann for their love and concern to our loved one and for us also.
Pallbearers will be: Leslie Rhodes II, Bennie Dwain Vice, Vernell Davis, Daniel Thomas, Anthony Kates, and George Hyatt. Honorary pallbearers will be: Thad Boykin, Garrison Rhodes, Harley Vice, and Al Cummins.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, from 11 am - 12 pm at the Community of Christ Church, 4220 Dan Sherman Road, Escatawpa. The funeral service will be at 12 pm in the church sanctuary. Interment will be in the Community of Christ Cemetery.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. , Ocean Springs, is serving the family and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com