

Judith was born in Suffolk, Virginia. She lived a life defined by kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She possessed a generous heart, a gentle spirit, and a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel welcomed and loved. Her warmth was felt by everyone she met, and her compassion, wisdom, and quiet resilience were gifts she shared freely throughout her life.
Judith was preceded in death by her mother, Ellen Maria Worrell Francis; her devoted husband, Durwood Thomas Rhodes, with whom she shared a loving marriage and built a home filled with love, faith, laughter, and cherished memories; and her precious daughter, Kara Anne Rhodes.
To Judith, family was everything. Being a mother and grandmother was not simply a role she held—it was the greatest joy and purpose of her life. She was the steady presence her children could always count on, offering unconditional love, encouragement, wisdom, and comfort through every season of life. Her children and grandchildren were truly her world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with them, celebrating their accomplishments, and surrounding them with her endless love and support.
She leaves behind her loving children, Kristopher Thomas Rhodes; Jason Paul Rhodes and his wife, Jessie Rhodes; and Amanda Disse and her husband, Brad Disse. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Declan Rhodes, Peyton Rhodes, Charlotte Rhodes, Christian Disse, and Avery Disse, each of whom held a special place in her heart and brought immeasurable joy to her life.
Judith is also survived by her four sisters, Gloria, Donna, Anne, and Mary, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.
Whether through a warm smile, thoughtful advice, a comforting embrace, or a simple act of kindness, Judith had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her selflessness, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith were reflected in the way she lived each day. She gave generously of herself without expecting anything in return, leaving a lasting impression on everyone whose life she touched.
Although her passing breaks our hearts, we are deeply grateful for the countless memories she created and the unconditional love she gave so freely. We find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior and reunited with those who have gone before her.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 10 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 P.M. at Varina Church of the Nazarene, 5350 Darbytown Rd, Richmond, VA 23231.
Judith's legacy is one of faith, compassion, grace, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed every day, forever loved beyond words, and never forgotten. Her love lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends, who will carry her memory with them always.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
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