Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Ms. Vanessa Audrey Rhodes, lovingly known as “Van” reached for the arms of the Angels and took flight to the Kingdom of Heaven peacefully in her home, on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at the age of 63. Born November 17, 1956, in Bedford County, VA, Vanessa was the daughter of the late Goldie F. and Newassa D. Rhodes. The Rhodes family moved to Beckley when Vanessa was 7 years young, and she has resided in Beckley since that time.

Vanessa never met a stranger and is fondly loved by many for her friendly spirit and pleasant personality. She had a caring heart, and often rendered childcare services for many of the children in the neighborhood and assisted the elderly, including her mother, who she lovingly cared for until her passing. Vanessa also worked for approximately 10 years as a retail associate at the Goodwill in Beckley.

A true woman of God, Vanessa accepted Christ at an early age and was raised in the church. She made the decision to re-dedicate her life to Christ and was baptized on October 8, 2017, which she gave her immense pride and joy. She was a faithful and active member of the Church of God of America, in Beckley, where the Rev. Randy Anderson is Pastor. Van was committed to her church and attended all services and events and faithfully served on the Usher Board.

She enjoyed walking, listening to gospel music and social gatherings with her family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time with her special friend, Roger Anderson and his grandchildren, JoJo and Kay Kay, who thought the world of Vanessa. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Reginald R. and Goldie C. Rhodes, sister-in-law, Sandra L. Rhodes, and nephew, Ronald D, Lawrence.

Vanessa is survived by two brothers, Freddie E. Rhodes of Bluefield, WV and Kermit M. Rhodes (Marie) of Beckley; two sisters, JoAnn L. Ross (Mike) of Beckley, and Marsha R. Brookins (Michael) of Severn, MD; special sister, Shelia Washington of Fredrick, MD; two aunts, Carlyn Gordon of Denver, CO and Lucy Rhodes of VA; two great-uncles, Clarence Davis of Somerdale, NJ and Larry Davis of Bronx, NY; one God-son, Karl Edward Pugh, Jr. of York, PA one God-daughter, Kieria Pugh of Columbus, GA; eleven nieces and nephews; fifteen great-nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life service at a later date.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.