Nona Parker Rhodes

July 29, 2011
Mary W. Parker Rhodes
The Meridian Star

AUGUSTA, Ga —

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Memorial services for Mary Winona Parker Rhodes will be held Saturday, at 11 a.m., at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, Augusta, with the Rev. Paul Sherwood officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Rhodes, beloved wife of Melton E. Rhodes Jr., died Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at home. She was 70 years old. Nona was born in Birmingham, Ala. 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. 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, Miss. on Aug. 4, 1961. Their first home together was in San Diego. John was born in Meridian. Subsequently, they moved to Marietta, 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.

Survivors include 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).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker Sr.; and her nephew, Mr. Walter McLemore Parker Jr.

The family will receive friends at the home of John and Lisa Rhodes today, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (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.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.