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Mrs. Rosa Jones Rhodes was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 9, 2020. She was born so September 24, 1925 to the late Mrs. Eula Wilson Jones and the late Mr. Willie Moses Jones in Fort Barnwell, NC, the third of four children. She completed Elementary and High School in Craven County. Rosa married Lawrence Rhodes of New Bern, and from that union four children were born. Rosa leaves behind a testament to a great life well lived and full of God’s favor. She was a loving and kind person to everyone that she met. Her friendly personality was so infectious, that all whom she met affectionally called her Mother Dear or Ma Dear. Ma Dear gave her life to Christ at an early age. She later moved to Washington, NC where she joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church. She joined the Usher’s Ministry and served faithfully for many years. She loved ushering and leading the usher march. Ma Dear enrolled in the First Black Class of LPNs Nursing Program at Beaufort County Community College, Washington, NC in 1963. There were 11 black students in her historic Nursing Class, and she completed all of her nursing requirements, graduated in 1964, and passed the State Board. Ma Dear worked as a nurse for several years and later decided to change careers. She started working at Hamilton Beach where her skills, knowledge and talents were recognized, earning her a supervisory position. Ma Dear was a dedicated family person. She loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She would do anything for them and loved to fix meals for whoever dropped by, and especially during family holiday gatherings. Ma Dear stayed active and adventurous during her early and later years. She flew to Germany to visit her daughter Malinda, and flew to the Bahamas with her daughter, Carol after retiring from Hamilton Beach. She later joined a Senior Citizens Cheerleading Group in the 90’s and performed at many events. In the 2000’s she walked about three miles per week for close to seven years. Ma Dear was preceded in death by her son, Roland L. Rhodes; two brothers, Linster V. Jones (Esther), Johnny Jones (Brenda); one son-in-law, Archie Nelson; one brother-in-law, Gerald Hatton. Ma Dear leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Carol Nelson of Virginia Beach, VA, Malinda Spencer (COL. (Ret) Kenneth) of Dumfries, VA; one son, William Rhodes (Marcella) of Hampton, VA; one sister, Etta Hatton of Bowie, MD; one daughter-in-law, Patricia Rhodes; fifteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Rosa Jones Rhodes

September 24, 1925 - November 9, 2020