Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Rhodes, Blanche Annette March 1, 2025
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Robert Woolfitt http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008401 May 11, 2025, 3:11 pm

VA FH Notices and Obituaries March 14, 2025
Blanche Annette Rhodes, a beacon of inspiration and dedication, passed away 
peacefully at the age of 100 on March 1, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA. Born on 
August 17, 1924, in Norfolk, VA, her remarkable century-long journey was marked 
by an unwavering commitment to education, faith, and community. Blanche’s 
lifelong passion for teaching left an indelible mark on many young minds during 
her 37-year career as an educator. Her dedication was evidenced by seven 
consecutive years without missing a single day of work. Many of her students 
were profoundly inspired by her love for teaching and kept in touch with her. A 
proud alumna of St. Joseph Grammar and High School in Norfolk, VA, Blanche 
furthered her education with a Bachelor of Science from Virginia State College 
in 1947 and a Master of Arts from Columbia University in New York City. Her 
excellence in education was recognized when the Norfolk Teachers’ Association 
awarded her a Certificate of Merit for outstanding service from 1963-
1965.Blanche cherished her faith deeply, finding strength and solace in her 
relationship with the Lord Jesus, Mary, and St. Anne. A dedicated member of St. 
Joseph Church, which later merged with St. Mary’s Church, Blanche’s melodious 
voice graced the high school choir and eventually led her to become the lead 
soprano at St. Mary’s Basilica Church in Norfolk, VA. Her church community was 
an integral part of her life, offering her both fellowship and purpose. 
Blanche’s legacy of love and dedication was celebrated last year at her 100th 
birthday which was planned by her dear friend Offelia Watley. Over thirty 
friends from St. Mary’s and St. Gregory’s Churches, and many former students, 
gathered to express their gratitude for the profound influence she had on their 
lives. Preceded in death by her parents, Johnie Lee and Margaret Rhodes, and her 
sister, Ernestine Rhodes, Blanche leaves behind her dear God-son Eric Brown; 
students she taught, John T. West, Mary W. Rivers, Joyce Lee Van, and her 
beloved faithful St Gregory’s church friends, Frank Staicer, Jamie Walker, and 
many more who will continue to miss her. In lieu of flowers, donations in her 
memory can be made to The Josephites, through the link provided. Blanche Annette 
Rhodes lived a life of grace, devotion, and purpose, touching the hearts of all 
who knew her. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. 
https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/in-loving-memory-of-blanche-a-rhodes/12828/

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/r/rhodes15605nob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/vafiles/

File size: 3.1 Kb