Jennie Rhodes Obituary

Jennie Lenora (or Jennie Lee as she preferred it) Richardson Rhodes was born on June 1, 1926, to Dora (Allen) and Cornelius Vanderbilt Richardson, Sr. in the Brookman Community of Glynn County, Georgia. Mrs. Rhodes was the youngest of four daughters and next to the youngest of six children.
Miss Richardson attended Springfield Missionary Baptist Church with her family where she was baptized and remained a member until her marriage.
Miss Richardson attended the segregated Negro schools of Glynn County eventually finishing the 8th grade. Although this was the highest grade level for Negro students in Glynn County at that time, Miss Richardson desired to further her education and was sent to live with her oldest sister, Otha Leona Pettigrew, who was school superintendent in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to finish high school. A staunch supporter of ongoing education, Jennie later went on to attend Albany State University and held lifetime membership status with the Alumni association. She encouraged all five of her children to attend Albany State University as well.
Miss Richardson began her teaching career in Brantley County, teaching in the Red Cap and Sand Hill communities.
Shortly after beginning her teaching career, Miss Richardson was introduced to King Rhodes. King and Jennie were married on June 12, 1947, and to their union five children were born. The couple moved to their present home and lived together for 68 years until his death in December of 2015.
After moving to the Tarboro Community, Mrs. Rhodes joined Brown's Chapel A.M.E. Church where she dedicated her time and talents in many areas of the church including serving as the Church Secretary for many years, choir member, and member of the Steward Board and Finance Committee. She also held Connectional offices throughout the Episcopal district.
Mrs. Rhodes moved to Camden County Schools, first teaching at Bowles Elementary and, after integration, moving to Woodbine Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement from teaching after 42 years. Mrs. Rhodes said that she "always" wanted to be a teacher and nothing else. Over the years, Mrs. Rhodes taught many young men and women of the North end of Camden County including all five of her own children. All remember her as a tough but fair teacher who was dedicated to their learning. During her tenure, she was awarded Teacher of the Year and other accolades on numerous occasions. Upon her retirement, Mrs. Rhodes was active in the Georgia Retired Educators Association, and in recent years became an Emeritus member.
Early on the morning of March 5th, the Master of All Good Workmen called Mrs. Rhodes to her reward. She is preceded in death by all five of her siblings, her husband, King Edward Rhodes, Sr. and two of her children, Henry Preston Rhodes and King Edward Rhodes, Jr.
Mrs. Rhodes is survived by three of her children: Hubert B. Rhodes (Anna), Rev. Janice R. Casey (Rev. Darrell), Joyce R. King (Shawn); daughters-in-law: Linda Rhodes, Dr. Veula Rhodes, Renee Rhodes; 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 2 godchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and church members, and two dedicated caregivers: Mrs. Elvira Williams and Mrs. Vertie Hannans, and her beloved dog Lionel.
A walkthrough viewing will be held on Friday, March 11th from 6-8 pm at Allison Memorial Chapel, 10141 Colerain Road, St. Mary's, Georgia 31558. Everyone is asked to wear your mask while indoors.
Out of an abundance of caution due to the pandemic, a private graveside service with limited seating and parking will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 @ 11:00 a.m. Services will be live streamed at 11 a.m. through the Royal Funeral Home website: royalfuneralhomeinc.com