Judith S. Rhodes

Published 2:07 pm Thursday, May 22, 2025

CARRSVILLE – Judith “Judy” Rae Spivey Rhodes, lovingly known as Mama and Nana, passed at home with family by her side on May 21, 2025. She was born on March 24, 1943.

On June 30, 1962, she married the love of her life, Maurice Arnold Rhodes. Together, they built a home rooted in laughter, loyalty, and resilience – a true partnership that stood strong through every storm and brighter in every joy.

Judy was proud to be a farmer’s wife, supporting her fa

Judith S. Rhodes

mily with tireless hands and an unshakable spirit. She especially loved hauling and backing up peanut trailers – a skill she took great pride in and one that brought her unexpected joy throughout harvest season. Whether on the farm or behind the wheel, she showed the same determination and capability that defined every part of her life.

She later retired from the United States Postal Service. Judy truly loved her customers – many of whom became dear friends over the years – and she took pride in serving them with kindness, consistency, and a friendly smile.

A pillar of strength and resilience, Judy began her courageous battle with breast cancer in 2001. Through every challenge, she never gave up her fight, inspiring all who knew her with her unwavering faith and unyielding spirit.

Judy’s heart was the center of the family. She created a home filled with warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. She taught generations the values of hard work, laughter, and grace.

Her greatest joys were found in the everyday moments: family gathered around her table, music drifting through the house, fried chicken sizzling on the stove, and flowers blooming in her yard. Every time she prepared a meal, there was a gracious plenty of leftovers for days. Music was the soundtrack of her life – whether she was whistling through her chores or singing along to her favorite tunes.

She was predeceased by her parents, Archer B. Spivey and Christine Miles Spivey and her brother, Everett Spivey.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Maurice Arnold Rhodes; her three children, Renee Lankford (Jeff), Natalie Butler (Devin) and Duane Rhodes (Lisa); her grandchildren, Traci Butler, Dylon Lankford, Tyler Butler (Megan) and Chase Rhodes; her sister, Melanie Gwaltney (Jesse); her sister-in-law, Amelia Spivey; and her niece and nephew, Katelyn Britt (Jack) and Trent Gwaltney. She also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and friends who were all touched by her love and will carry it forward.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Thomas Alberico, Linda Sawyer, NP and the rest of their team at Virginia Oncology for their care over nearly 25 years during Judy’s courageous battle with breast cancer, and to Ashley and Lindsay with Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and support during Judy’s final days.

A funeral service will be held at Wright’s Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, with Pastor Tim Webb and Pastor Martin Chappell officiating. A graveside service will follow at Colosse Baptist Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23 at Wright Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Colosse Baptist Church, 6361 Rhodes Drive, Windsor, VA 23487. The family will receive friends at the home of Maurice & Judy Rhodes, 27503 Walters Hwy, Carrsville, Virginia 23315.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org