Barbara Morgan Rhodes

Barbara Morgan Rhodes ran into the arms of

Jesus at 1:17 on Monday, February 6, 2023. With her bed surrounded by family, she peacefully passed through Heaven’s gates to join the crowd of family awaiting her there. She is now reunited with her beloved husband (Jimmie), grandchildren (Cliff and

Amanda), brothers, sister, parents, and innumerable extended family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter

Rhonda Mackey (Pat), son Terry Rhodes (Sue), sister Zilla Spencer, granddaughter Elizabeth Johnson

(Cam), and great grandchildren James, Emaleigh, and Amanda Wren.

Barbara personified a true Proverbs 31 woman. In all she did, she worked with willing hands. Strength and dignity were her covering. When she spoke, wisdom and the teaching of kindness were on her tongue.

She was a teacher through and through, imparting wisdom to young and old alike. She started the kindergarten program at Kingsbury and later moved on to teach kindergarten at Macon Road. It wasn’t a secret that the most rambunctious students were awarded to her classroom because she could reach them in a way others could not. She would even bring snacks and lunches to children who needed them. She often bought books to share with her classroom and even built her own “Mawmaw’s Library” at home. Those books were read and re-read by her to her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren and still carry precious memories with each turning page.

Barbara was also a master gardener. In its glory, her yard could have easily made the cover of a magazine. She would get up around six o’clock every morning to water her flowers and “beat the heat” as she and Gran would call it. She tended every living thing with such great care--from the smallest seedlings to family and friends. There was never a doubt that you were loved while in her presence, no matter your relation to her.

One of the ways she shared her love was through her famous cooking skills. She could cook anything! If she didn’t have a recipe, she would make her own...and it would be delicious for one day. She hated leftovers! She took pride in sharing her wonderful food, so it was always served fashionably in beautiful dishes. The table was always fully set and decorated for family meals, even the after-church lunches on Sundays. We still can’t fathom how she got a roast, vegetables, bread, gravy, pear salad, and a dessert ready before two o’clock EVERY Sunday. Some of the best memories and wisdom were shared in her kitchen. Certainly, everything was made with love!

Eighty-eight years may have taken a heavy toll on her body and mind, but it never dulled her sweet spirit or her heart of gold. She never complained about anything, even if she was tired or in pain, although a BC Powder could fix just about anything in her book. She lit up like a Christmas tree with family and adopted family til the very end. Her hospice nurse made the comment, “you are just SO sweet!” to which Mawmaw replied, “well that’s how I want to be remembered--being sweet.” She absolutely will!

Her love for Jesus shined brightly even as her earthly body faded. One night, she woke suddenly and said, “God told me that Jesus won’t leave us alone” and then fell asleep immediately. The last wisdom she shared as she stared up toward heaven was, with a sigh of relief and awe, “all my troubles are over.” What a witness of God’s goodness and mercy!

Mawmaw will be sorely missed, but because she shared her love for Jesus with us, we’re assured this is only a temporary separation, all praise to God!

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” She leaves behind the legacy of a race well run!