Barbara Nell Rhodes was released from the bonds of Alzheimer’s on 10 July 23 in Athens, Tx.  She was born to Odie D.  and Lillie Mae Dauphin in  Pine Island, LA. on 10 August, 1930.  Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Kilgore, TX for her Dad to work in the Great East Texas oil field.  She grew up in the Magnolia Oil camp and graduated from Sabine High School.  After high school she moved to Dallas to work for Magnolia Oil.  It was there she met and married Lavell Rhodes, nicknamed Casey.  After their first child Kenneth was born, they moved to Tyler and finally to Flint where they lived until retirement.  The Rhodes family prospered in the Tyler area and were blessed with three additional children, David Wayne,  Rhonda Gayle , and Richard Neill Rhodes.  Lavell provided a good living while Barbara devoted herself to caring for her home and children.  All of the children graduated from Tyler Lee and went on to secure degrees and successful careers thanks to the efforts of their parents.  They also presented their parents with 10 beautiful grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren to date.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Shon and Harlan, and  her husband, Casey.  In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister Marnina and a host of nieces and nephews.  Barbara also made a host of friends while in the Oakwood Assisted Living facility in Athens. All of us that knew her will mourn her passing but  rejoice in her heavenly ascension.

The Rhodes family extends our gratitude to everyone at Oakwood and the Hospice staff for the love and care extended to our beloved mother in her final years.

A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 18th 2023, to begin at 10am. Interment will be at Catheral in the Pines Cemetery, Tyler, TX. Pastor Eric Graham will officiate.