Minnie Jean Rhodes

She was born on March 3rd, 1936 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Feodie and Essie B. Powers, where she was raised and attended and graduated from EJ Campbell High School in 1955. Se graduated from High School in 1955. She would have one daughter Tercina after high school from a previous relationship.

And in1962, she would marry Lester J. Rhodes, also of Nacogdoches. Lester was in the Air Force, and they would go on to have four children: Michael, Rodney, Amanda and Thenita while moving between Michigan, Indiana, Texas and eventually being stationed in Wichita, KS, where they would settle to raise their family.

Jean, as she preferred to be called, worked within the healthcare field for over 30 years. Initially as an nurse’s aid at a local nursing home, then as an EKG technician at St. Francis Hospital and later at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital before retiring.

In 1967, Jean would dedicate and become baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the things she enjoyed the most was playing cards, primarily Bid Whist with her friends and family. She also enjoyed listening to blues music, playing bingo. Above all else, she loved sharing her Bible hope regarding God’s kingdom with others she met. She was a beloved mother, sister and faithful servant of Jehovah until her passing.

Jean is survived by two brothers, Robert, and Freddie Powers, and her sister Oma Brown. Her five children: Trecina, Michael, Rodney, Amanda and Thenita. Grand children, Tarik Cooper, Chayla Cervantes, Javel and Brea Rhodes. Great grandchildren, Shari, Nakayla, Tarik Jr., Taylor, Khari Jr. Xander and Ella. In addition, she’s survived by eight great, great grandchildren that includes Nevaeh and Dominique Alexander-Rhodes and Kennedi Mullins-Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Her two siblings, George and Feodie Jr. Powers. Her third husband Donald Madison, grandsons, Khari Cooper and Ronald Rhodes as well as several nieces and nephews.