Mrs. Nona Rhodes
Augusta, GA -Mary Winona Parker Rhodes, beloved wife of Melton E. Rhodes, Jr. died at home on Wednesday, July 27. She was 70 years old. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA with the Reverend Paul Sherwood officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Nona was born in Birmingham, AL in 1940 to Dr. and Mrs. (Sudie McLemore) Paul Harmon Parker. She was raised to be a fine lady by her father and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John L. McLemore. She was preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker, Sr. and her nephew, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Melton E. Rhodes, Jr., her brother, Dr. Paul H. Parker, Jr. (Kerry), her three children; John Parker Rhodes (Lisa), Richard Evan Rhodes and Melanie Rhodes Congdon (Jeff), three grandchildren; John Parker Rhodes, Jr., Sadie Nannette Rhodes and Melissa Katherine Rhodes, a niece, Mrs. Suzy Parker Johnson (Bruce) and three nephews; Lee Barnett Parker, Ben Barnett Parker and John David Parker (Kelly).
As a majorette and flutist for the Meridian High School she caught the eye and won the heart of Mel Rhodes. She followed him to the University of Mississippi where she became a Kappa Kappa Gamma. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Meridian, MS on August 4, 1961. Their first home together was in San Diego. John was born in Meridian. Subsequently, they moved to Marietta, GA where Rick was born. They established residence in Augusta in 1965 and Melanie was born here.
Nona was a devoted member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was an Elder and a Deacon and she was a faithful member of the Howington bible study. She loved church fellowship and she lived in her Lord’s grace. She was an active member of the Ladies Golf Association, the Titleholders Association, the Greenbrier Garden Club and enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.
Nona’s ever-present smile and positive attitude will be long remembered by her family and friends. She touched lives and demonstrated Christian love in her every encounter. She loved Augusta, her many dear friends and enjoyed their fellowship here, in the mountains, at the beach and on regular travels to new destinations. She relished being on the go and seeking new adventures.
The family will receive friends at the home of John and Lisa Rhodes on Friday, July 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. (Please park on Henry Street or Hillcrest Avenue.)
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church or the University Healthcare Foundation.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com