Barbara Rhodes

Barbara Cooper Rhodes, 97, peacefully departed this life on May 15, 2023. Born in Washington D.C. on Christmas Eve in 1925 to Col. Hiram M. Cooper and Eleanor Gertrude Briggs Cooper. Barbara was the youngest of four children and grew up living in many different states in the U.S. following along with her father's distinguished military career. She graduated from Ramsay High School in 1942, and the University of Alabama in 1948 where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. She also received a master's degree from UAB in 1974. She belonged to the Birmingham Alumnae of Alpha Phi, a membership which represented over 70 years.

"Granny Rhodes" as her students would nickname her, began her teaching career at Locust Fork High School teaching business in 1969 and retired in June,1992. Following retirement she continued to substitute teach in Jefferson County schools well into her 80's. Her love for travel and adventure was unsurpassed. She traveled extensively whenever the opportunity presented itself. Ms. Rhodes was a member of the Sierra Club, a lifetime member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Birmingham Jefferson Historical Society, and a member of St. Mary's on the Highland Episcopal Church. She hiked most of the Appalachian Trail, traveled throughout Europe and sought out all types of adventures, even parasailing at 69 years of age. She was an avid square, round, and ballroom dancer--belonging to several dance clubs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her sons Robert C. Rhodes and Thomas M. Rhodes. She is survived by her sons John B. Rhodes (Irene) of Batesville, MS, Phillip M. Rhodes (April) of Florence Al, daughter-in-law Jacquelyn Rhodes (Mike) of Trussville, Al ; grandchildren Bonnie R. McCrummen, Anne Marie Rhodes, Ryan Alexander Rhodes, Sarah Janna Rhodes, Leah Slay; great grandchildren Holly and Christopher. Visitation of family and friends will be held Thursday, May 18, from 5:00 p.m.until 7:00 p.m. at John Ridout's in Trussville. Interment will be held by private ceremony at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutstrussvillechapel.com for the Rhodes family.