Barbara McDonald Rhodes

Barbara McDonald Rhodes “Meme”, born October 19, 1951, passed away from this life October 4, 2018. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Biloxi where she loved serving in the choir, chairing the Senior Adult Team, and serving our Lord in many other ways. She was a friend to so many and was loved by all. She was my Darlin’ Girl. Barbara first came to Biloxi from Marks, MS at the age of 12 and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1969. She went on to attend the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Home Economics. Her first job was teaching Home Economics at Biloxi High School. She next went on to Nichols Jr. High School to teach math. While there, she completed her Masters Degree, Educational Administration, at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then moved to Greenwood, MS as Principal of Bankston Elementary School and after several years became Director of Curriculum and Testing for the school district. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Anthony Smith and Avis Pritchard Smith. She is survived by her husband, John Rhodes; children, Matthew (Melissa), Bradford (Reata), and Robert (Tara) McDonald; step-children, Laurie (Carl) Mullins, Michael Rhodes,and Mandeline Kurz; grandchildren, Kaleb, Jakob, Kyla, Jared, and Kaden McDonald; grandson, Cash McDonald; grandson, Jonas McDonald; grandchildren, John Thomas and Lauren Mullins; and granddaughter, Sarah Grace Rhodes. Barbara is also survived by her beloved brothers and sisters including Susan McCormick (Tom), Debbie Carter (Jeff), Betty Lumbert, Stan Watson (Pat), Steve Gray (Lynda) and Al Gray. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Biloxi, on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 11:30 am where friends may visit from 9:30 am until 11:30 am. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 10am at Biloxi National Cemetery. Please gather at the Cemetery Committal Shelter for service. We are asking that some friends and families consider giving to a gift bible donation fund in lieu of flowers. We are purchasing 20 handsome leather material KJV Bibles to be gifted to new Christians that place their faith in Christ, in memory of Barbara. If you are interested in giving to the Barbara McDonald Rhodes Bible fund, please call Lifeway Christian Store in Gulfport, MS 228-539-4263 and ask to make a donation. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.