Jane Elizabeth Mullaly Rhodes, age 92 of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2022. She was born Jane Elizabeth Robinson on January 9, 1930, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, the third and youngest child of Olney P. Robinson and Jennie Elnora Robinson.
She graduated from Old Classen High School in 1948 where she made lifelong friends and enjoyed many happy reunions. She received her Associates Degree from Ward Belmont College in Nashville, TN, where she would venture to the Grand Ole Opry to listen to the greats of country music.
She married Taylor Hales Mullaly (deceased) of Oklahoma City in June of 1951 with whom she had three children, all of whom survive her: Dr. Maggie Nemirow of Berkeley, CA,; Taylor H. Mullaly, Jr. of Edmond, OK; and Hattie & John Santore of Oklahoma City.
In 1963, she began a successful career as a residential realtor in the OKC area. She married Robert J. Emery in 1967 becoming stepmother to Don Emery, of Maggie Valley, NC; Elaine Emery (deceased), Kelan Emery of Taos, NM and Robert Walker Emery of Dallas, TX. In 1970, she and Bob, piloted their 36-foot houseboat, the Belle Mère, from the Port of Catoosa to the MIssissippi River, making it the first pleasure craft to do so. Bob and Jane also enjoyed vacations to the Bahamas where she indulged her love of the water and shell collecting.
In her 40s, she became active in AA and while healing herself, she sponsored many, many others who are grateful for her help in working their programs. Much of her 50's were taken up caring for her mother, Jennie Elnora White, in Belen, NM. After her mother's death, Jane moved back to Oklahoma City.
At 79, she eloped with widower, Horace G. Rhodes, to Clayton, NM where they were married in 1999. This union blessed Jane's family with the addition of six additional stepchildren: Tad & Jeannie Rhodes of Norman, OK; Laura & Greg Heiser of Norman, OK; and Becky Rhodes & Brad Smith (deceased), of Nashville, TN. Their 15-year marriage was a joyful gift to our families and each became more because of the other. With Jane's loving care and Horace's kindness and generosity, they shared happiness and fulfillment. Our family still celebrates their union. Horace's 40-year love affair with Puerto Vallarta, MX was consummated with the purchase of a condo so they could enjoy the view of the new Marina and the warm embrace of Mexican culture. They spent many winters there making new friends who also mourn her passing.
After Horace's death in 2013, she moved to Epworth Villa to be near many of her Old Classen High classmates. Her lifelong gift of making friends, her sense of humor and vivacious personality will be remembered and deeply missed. She is survived by the aforementioned children and stepchildren and by the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Aaron Lee & Maya Nemirow of Hayward, CA and their daughter Jade Nicole; Dr. Jason Nemirow of Cambridge, MA; Taylor H. Mullaly, III of OKC; Max & Maria Louisa Rhodes of San Francisco, CA and their daughter Alba Lucia; Ella & Patrick Rhodes-Hebble of NYC, NY.
Jane loved music, the sea, animals and most of all people. People were her reason for being. If you wish to make a donation to a charity in her name, any support of the health of our oceans, humane treatment of animals, and most importantly the support and uplifting of humanity would surely please her spirit.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Mullaly Rhodes family.
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