Martha C. Rhodes, a long time resident of Smyrna, GA passed away February 29, 2012 at Magnolia Manor, Saint Simons Island, GA. A viewing will be held at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home, Brunswick, GA on Friday, March 2, 2012 from 6-8 pm and graveside services will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, Fort Valley, GA on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
Martha Gray Carithers Rhodes was born in Ft, Valley on March 21, 1915, the daughter of Etta Wylie and William Henry Carithers. Upon graduating high school, she attended Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville.
As a young school teacher in Meigs, GA, Martha Gray (Gagie) met and later married James Beauregard (Dusty) Rhodes of Alpharetta, GA. They were married 47 years and had four children. Mr. Rhodes passed away November 30, 1988.
The Rhodes moved to Smyrna in 1950 where Mrs. Rhodes was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as President of the Susannah Wesley Sunday School Class for several years. In 1951, she joined Lockheed Georgia as a Secretary, retiring in 1979 after 28 years of service. During those years she was involved in civic affairs, and in 1964 was named Citizen of the Year by the Smyrna Civitan Club. She also received WSB Radio's Busy Beaver Award that same year. Mrs Rhodes was active in the Smyrna Business and Professional Women's Club, serving as President, and was a Director of the Smyrna Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed modeling women's fashions for Rich's, Davison's and Lois Ashworth Department stores during the 60s and 70s. Mr. Rhodes was also active in Smyrna politics, serving on the Smyrna City Council.
In 2007, Mrs. Rhodes moved to Magnolia Manor (SSI) where she resided until her death.
Mimi, as she was affectionately known, is survived by her four children: Marna Carol Melcher of St. Simons Island, GA, James C. Rhodes (Elizabeth) of Marietta, GA, Martha Gay Decker of Lake Sinclair, GA, Etta Wylie Raines (Joe) of Jacksonville, FL and her very special niece, Haviland Houston, Tampa, FL.
Mimi is also survived by ten (10) grandchildren, fourteen (14) great grandchildren and two (2) great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Rhodes spoke often and with great affection about her many friends and acquaintances in Ft. Valley, Smyrna, Marietta and St. Simons Island.
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