Ann Rhoads

Margaret Edwards "Ann" Rhoads passed peacefully on Wednesday, the 5th of May 2021 at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ann was born on May 26, 1937 to the late Mamie Lee Hicks and James Palmer Edwards in Lawley, Alabama. She resided most of her life in Birmingham, but recently moved to Tuscaloosa to be closer to the University.

She was also preceded in death by her husband of 11 years, John Leroy Rhoads and her brother, James William Edwards. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as "adopted" family members and her beloved Boston Terrier "Leroy".

Ann was loved by many and had so many good friends that have helped her throughout her life. She was a character with a personality bigger than life. She genuinely cared for others and had a generous giving soul. Ann was involved in a litany of organizations at the University of Alabama as well as in the greater Birmingham and Tuscaloosa communities. She served proudly on the HES Leadership Board, the Commerce Executives Society, College of Arts & Sciences Leadership Board, long standing member of Tide Pride, and a founding member of the Bryant Society. There were very few things that Ann Rhoads didn't know at least something about. She was an avid reader, a well-studied historian, a staunch businesswoman, and was the essence of a steel magnolia.

Ann will be remembered for many things and mannerisms, but most importantly, she will be remembered for the countless lives she impacted through her philanthropy. She and her late husband, John, established scholarships at the University of Alabama and she continued to leave this legacy after his passing. Through their philanthropy, they have supported countless students, helped to provide world class facilities, and quite simply left our world a better place than which they found it. Ann was a loyal friend, donor, and family member and her unassuming presence will not soon be forgotten. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at Complete Nursing Services for their care and compassion during these last few months.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation commencing at one o'clock in the afternoon at Ridout's Valley Chapel in Homewood on Wednesday, the 12th of May, followed by a funeral service in the chapel at two o'clock in the afternoon. Interment will follow, via escorted cortege, in Birmingham's Historic Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials honoring the life of Ann Rhoads may be directed to any of the following funds at the University of Alabama: John and Ann Rhoads Endowed Scholarship in Accounting; Margaret E. and John. L. Rhoads Endowed Scholarship in Nutrition; John L. and Margaret E. Rhoads Endowed Scholarship in Women's Softball; John L. and Margaret E. Rhoads Endowed Women's Golf. Scholarship Donations can be mailed to University Advancement, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Services are under the care and direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.