Fannie V. Rhodes

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, God called his faithful servant, Mrs. Fannie Virginia Rhodes, from labor to reward.

Virginia was a native of Sussex, Va. She was the daughter of the late Tom and Lula E. Robinson.

She was born on June 6, 1939, in Sussex County.

At an early age she accepted Christ as her personal savior. She became a member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church, McKenney, Va. After leaving Sussex County, she moved to Bronx, N.Y. She was employed at Fordham Tremont Mental Health Center, Bronx, N.Y. until she retired after serving them for 30 years. After retiring and leaving Bronx, N.Y., she moved to Petersburg, Va., where she resided until her death. Her faith in God lead her to find a church were she could continue to serve her master. She found that home at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr. She was ready to serve her church as a faithful member. She was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Her heart was always in Sussex County and that's where she returned. Whenever you needed a word of encouragement, you could always call "Fannie" and she would always let you know that she was "blessed." She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She lived the motto "I Won't Complain."

She leaves to cherish her precious memories and her everlasting legacy, a husband of 47 years, John Rhodes Jr. of Petersburg, Va.; two sons, Douglas Howard (Miriam) of Allentown, Pa., and John Rhodes III (Elwanda) of Raleigh, N.C.; adopted son, Vennie Richards of Bronx, N.Y.; one daughter, Robyn Rhodes (Rob) of Bronx N.Y.; two grandchildren, Jennifer Howard and Doulgas Howard, both of Allentown, Pa.; one great- granddaughter, Neesa Aliza Howard of Allentown, Pa., whom she adored; four sisters, Carrie Dean (Olando) of Newport News, Va., Thelma Branch of Philadelphia, Pa., Flossie Foy (Johnny) of Bronx, N.Y., and Willie Anna Wyche of McKenney, Va, who was a devoted sister to the end, unconditional love for Margaret Ross (Floyd) of Jacksonville, Fla.; one devoted sister-in-law, Vivian Hunter of Elizabeth City, N.C.; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, among them a devoted nieces, Selester M. Robinson and Johnna Bailey, both of Stony Creek, Va.; cousin, Lincoln and Shirley Spence of Elizabeth City, N.C.

Special thanks to Dr. George, Dr. K, the staff of Southside Regional Medical Center, Colonial Heights Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Southern Care Hospice, Petersburg, Va., Mr. and Mrs. Newsome for their regular weekly visits, and a special thanks to the members of the "Class of 55," whom she loved.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends at the 2733 Homestead Drive, Petersburg, and may be contacted by calling (804) 861-9484.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Rhodes online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.