Catherine P. Rhodes

Franklin – Catherine “Gene” Eugenia Phillips Rhodes, 75, died Friday, January 22, 2010 at Southampton Memorial Hospital with her beloved daughter, Kim, by her side. She was born April 20, 1934, the daughter of the late James Sydnor and Irene Stiff Phillips. She grew up in the waterside community of Tappahannock where she attended St. Margaret’s School. Mrs. Rhodes graduated from Longwood College in 1956 and later taught elementary school. She married William Jasper Rhodes, Jr. in 1959 and, together, they reared their three children in Franklin.

Mrs. Rhodes was actively involved in her community and took great pleasure in helping and being of service to others. She was a longtime member and past president of the High Street United Methodist Women and was involved in many church activities. Mrs. Rhodes was also a member and past president of the American Legion Auxillary Unit 73. She was a Girl Scout leader for her girls’ troops and involved them in many memorable activities. Mrs. Rhodes enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends, and was a faithful and longtime member of the Franklin Book Club.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Rhodes was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Bill Rhodes, a brother, Syd Phillips, and two children, Carolyn Phillips Rhodes and Katy Rhodes Walden. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kim Rhodes of Virginia Beach; her son-in-law, Leon Walden; her beloved granddaughter, Kimberly Carolyn Walden; her sisters-in-law, Bette Phillips and Jean Rhodes Boone; and nieces and nephews, Beth Allsteadt, Beth Noel, Greg Phillips, and Scott Boone.

Mrs. Rhodes had an enormous amount of faith and it was that faith that sustained her family following the death of her two daughters. She was a devoted member of High Street United Methodist Church in Franklin. She dearly loved her church and her church family and was so looking forward to the building of the new church in Franklin.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 26th at 2:00 PM at the High Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Susan Reaves officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the High Street United Methodist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 218, Franklin, VA. 23851. Additionally, to honor the kindness that Mrs. Rhodes showed to others on a daily basis, the family requests that you provide a random act of kindness to someone in her honor. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.wrightfuneralhome.org