Aurelia Elizabeth "Sparky" Rhodes

Aurelia Elizabeth "Sparky" Sparks Rhodes 87 years old, passed away on June 9, 2010 at home in Raleigh, North Carolina surrounded by family. She is was the widow of Lloyd A. "Dusty" Rhodes, former Executive District Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee. Sparky was born in Memphis, TN on July 28, 1922 to Nora Collins & Lewis Edward Sparks. She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Batesville, MS where she was a religious teacher and organist. Mrs. Rhodes went to the Cursillo movement on three different occassions. She was an avid bird lover and girl scout leader. At 65 years old she became a scuba diver. During World War II she was a hostess and at that time, met and fell in love with Lloyd and they married in 1942. She is survived by 4 daughters: Eileen Marie Petherbridge Niesen of Dallas, TX, Judy Christine Rhodes of Bailey, CO, Mary Elaine Rhodes McClure of Arkabutla, MS and Margie Lynn Rhodes of Raleigh, NC; 3 sons: Robert "Bob" Lloyd Rhodes of Raleigh, NC, Dennis Caven Rhodes of French Town, MT and Paul Roland Rhodes of Frankfort, KY; 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. A 1:00 p.m. funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at St. Mary's, Mother of The Church Catholic Parrish, 1008 Vandora Springs Rd, Garner, NC. In Lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to The Palmer Home for Children in Hernando, MS.