Mary B. Rhodes

On Saturday, April 7, 1934, Archie Brown, Sr. and Helen Banks Brown welcomed their fifth child and named her Mary. Being a beautiful, healthy and smart girl, she advanced through school and was a graduate of Fairchance High School, Class of 1952.

In pursuit of independence while in high school, Mary gained employment with Kauffman’s, a major department store in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Shortly after graduation, she became a Civil Service Employee for the United States Air Force in Procurement. While in this position, she received several awards for exemplary service. Later, she was elevated to the position of Contract Negotiator and after 30 years of service she retired.

Being a part of a Godfearing home she was introduced to and became a follower of Christ and raised her children the same, beginning at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Fairchance, Pennsylvania. After relocating to Dayton, Ohio, she became a member of Zion Baptist Church and remained a member for 40 years and held several ministry positions that touched many lives.  Her current membership belonged to Believers Christian Fellowship as she was in the ministry of greeting God’s people into his house.

Several words that describe Mary are creative, caring, private, proud and disciplined. Her creativity included being a pianist. She was known for playing for the men, women and youth choirs. She also taught all the music for Vacation Bible School. She could be found registering children and passing out snacks if needed. She could sew anything and whip up a hand crocheted afghan for your comfort.

Her caring spirit reached beyond her family, but those grandchildren were the pride of her life.  She could keep them all, and not a hair would be out of place. She loved to cook and was excellent at it, known for the best chocolate chip and peanut butter chip cookies in the world, but, those homemade pancakes, would have you full and wanting more! Mary always had a house full and loved every minute of it. She was soft spoken, able to convey full and direct instructions without disturbing those around her.  

Life happened and Mary was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Ann Brown, James Brown, Cordelia Brown Lantz, Archie Brown, Jr., and Martha Brown Burke; great granddaughter, Angela Nia Hill; nieces and nephews, Keith Burke, Thomas Brown, Anthony Brown, Sr., and Sherry Lantz Fairfax.

Her legacy of love continues with a son, Stanley Eric Rhodes; daughters, Kimberly McCrary and Natalie H. Rhodes; grandchildren, Rae-Shaunn Allen, KiAnna Jackson, Marcus (Dallas) Rhodes, Courtnee’ Allen, Brandon Rhodes, Donovan Rhodes, Tiffanee’ McCrary; great grandchildren, Cash and Willie Rhodes, Mia Wilson, and Aurora Rhodes; sister-in-law, Beatrice (Bunny) Brown; nephews, Allen Sykes, Stuart Lantz, Bradley Burke, Archie David Brown; nieces, Devorre (Dee Dee) Dillard, Marilyn Lantz, Anita Kay Smith, Jacqueline Brown Green, Luane Brown, and Michelle Brown; special friends, JoAnn Johnson, Mary Frances Hood, Beverly Coble, Joyce Brown, and Martha Mundell; a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Calling hours 10 am-12 noon Saturday, September 25, at Believers Christian Fellowship, 3010 McCall Street. Memorial service at 12 noon. Rev. Dr. William E. Harris Jr. officiating. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.

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