Remembering the Life and Legacy of
Jeanette Virginia Rhodes
~A Life Well Remembered~
Jeanette Virginia Rhodes was a beautiful New Year's Day baby, born
in Omaha, Texas in 1947 to Murray and Mildred Drake. She went
home peacefully on a day of hearts and love, February 14, 2023 at the
age of seventy-six.
Jeanette's family moved to Grand Prairie, Texas where they joined the
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
She fondly recanted saying she had two dads since that is how her
older brother, Homer Drake, looked out for her and her sister, Sarah.
Jeanette graduated from Dalworth High School in 1965 while
enjoying being on the pep squad, cheering on the football team! After
High School, she worked for T.I. Electronics.
In 1967, she met William (Willie) Eugene Rhodes, Sr. through a
mutual friend. They courted; then eventually married in 1969. Willie
was in the armyand eventually was stationed in Towson, Maryland
also in 1969. On October 18, 1970, she welcomed her one and only
son, William E. Rhodes, Jr.
Jeanette is remembered for her glowing smile, infectious attitude and
fun spirit. She loved to travel with her family, collect Cabbage Patch
Dolls and go to concerts. She had many favorite artists, including B.B.
King and 'Bobby Blue' Bland, among others.
Family was everything to Jeanette. Taking care of her parents as they
fell ill and then creating a loving bond with her mother-in-law, as a
daughter would. Constant and present in her son's life, being a loving
mother-in-law herself, being in cahoots with her oldest granddaughter
(Jana) and more of a best friend than a grandmother to her grandson
(Tre). Also, forging a relationship with her great-granddaughter
(Ki'Lahni) through the love of candy. Creating a loving home with
warmth and love for her family continued till the end. A big example
was saying "I Love You" to the whole family before laying down at
night. Then, making sure she was up to see the kiddos off to school
every morning.
More than remembered, she will ALWAYS be loved.
Jeanette leaves to cherish her loving memories: her son William E.
Rhodes, Jr.; daughter-in-law Tasha Rhodes; grandchildren Jana and
Tre Rhodes; great-grandchild Ki'Lahni Williams, all of San Marcos,
Texas; niece Jana Drake of Corona, California; sister-in-law Betty
Drake of Chino, California and a host of loving family and friends.