Mary Rhodes

Mary Lou Hamilton Rhodes, 93, formerly of Little River, passed away on January 14, 2021 at Quail Park of Oro Valley, Tucson, Arizona. She was born April 14, 1927 in Henderson County, NC to the late Neal and Love Hamilton. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Yancy Ray Rhodes, sister, Juanita Hamilton, brother Coman Hamilton and grandson Logan Barnhouse.

Mary Lou Rhodes helped shape Transylvania County during her lifetime; teaching at Pisgah Forest Elementary School and Brevard Middle School for decades. Her former students remember her for her fairness, encouragement and kindness. After her retirement in 1985, she volunteered in various community venues. She was active in St. Timothy United Methodist Church as well as in D.A.R. (East Flat Rock and Brevard Chapters), AAUW, Retired Teachers Groups and other clubs.

She is survived by her two daughters, Marsha Rhodes Roberts (Kenneth) of Rock Hill, SC, and Suzanne Rhodes Draayer (Richard D. Thaler) of Tucson, AZ; granddaughters, Keli Barnhouse of Penrose, NC, Maureen Collier of Rose, MI; nephew Glenn Hamilton (Susan) of Charlotte, NC, Brian (Debi) Rhodes of Hendersonville, NC; as well as many cousins, friends and the entire McCrary Clan, and community members who mourn her passing.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and the difficulties of travel, graveside services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Timothy United Methodist Church at 1020 Asheville Hwy, Brevard, NC 28712 or to Little River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund 51 Little River Church Rd Penrose, NC 28766.

To leave a condolence for the family of Mary Lou Rhodes, please visit “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to care for the family.