Margaret F. Rhodes

Margaret (Vanessa) Fentress Rhodes was born April 24, 1935, in Norfolk, Virginia and raised in Princess Anne County, the youngest daughter of the late William Floyd Fentress and Pauline Mueller Fentress. Her parents cherished their family and enjoyed music and games.

Margaret passed away on July 18, 2025, and entered into her Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. She was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Fentress Garland (+1972); former husband, Guy Blaisdell Rhodes (+1996); and son Dirk Rene Rhodes (+2009).

Margaret was unwavering in her commitment to The Lord. She was a dedicated member of Kempsville Baptist Church, serving many years as church librarian and often rocked babies in the nursery with her mother, Pauline. Additionally, she volunteered for many years as the pianist at Calvary Baptist Church.

Margaret loved and cherished her family and friends. She was devoted to her mom Pauline, and they lived together for 45 years, graciously in alliance with one another. Margaret traveled west with her young children and Pauline every two or three summers, crossing the United States to California, Washington State and Texas to connect with Joyce and her family. These trips often lasted several weeks while they enjoyed seeing the sights and sounds of America along the way. In the off years, Joyce traveled with her family home to Virginia. Margaret and Pauline traveled the world together visiting Egypt, the Holy Lands, Italy and traveled reconnecting with family in many countries like Sierra Leone, England, and numerous times to Germany, Margaret’s maternal grandfather’s homeland. Those trips, frequent letters and the rare, expensive phone calls kept the family close.

Margaret loved music and played several types of instruments, including drums in her high school band. She especially enjoyed playing the piano, playing duets and entertaining nursing home residents with their favorite songs. She enjoyed listening to music of the 40’s and 50’s and of course, her favorite hymns.

All her life Margaret would enthusiastically play board and word games with anyone. She was an avid card player and spent hours playing Canasta, Texas Hand and Foot, Cribbage and she especially enjoyed her weekly card game of Golf with her dinner friends.

She worked various jobs throughout her life meeting many coworkers who became dear, lifelong friends. She retired after a fulfilling career as a bookkeeper for Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Margaret is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Guy B. Rhodes, Jr. (Mary) of Blacksburg, VA.; daughter and son-in-law, Debra Ann Bowles (Andy) of Glen Allen, VA.; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. For the last five years, Zoom has enabled her to stay closely connected to her extended family throughout the world with twice weekly calls.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all those lucky enough to have met her and have seen her beautiful blue eyes and genuine smile.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm in Rosewood Kellam Funeral Home 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach with internment to follow. Family and friends will gather afterward to celebrate Margaret’s life.