Aretha Mae Rhodes

Aretha Mae Rhodes, 87, of 151 Glenwood Ave. Meadville, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Meadville Medical Center.

Aretha was born Aretha Mae Medlock to Mamie Jones & Curly Medlock on Oct 4, 1926 in Philadelphia.

She was one of 6 siblings, 5 sisters and 1 brother with only one sister alive residing in Philadelphia. At the age of 6 she lost her mother leaving seven children in the hands of their grandmother who died shortly after that. This meant placing all seven children in foster care. At the age of 18 Aretha married Donald (Sonny) Rhodes. She leaves behind 3 children Margaret her oldest, Garrett, and Orealia the youngest. She has 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Aretha did not let her rough start in life hold her back from being an achiever. In fact it propelled her to work harder. She worked at Botany 500 textile plant for 35 years, finishing her career up as manager. During this time she also worked several night jobs to make ends meet including as a bar maid, and day cleaner. Although she was in church throughout her life it wasnt until the age of 58 that she accepted Jesus Christ and gave her life and service to him. She joined Berean Missionary Church in Philadelphia, under Pastor A.W. Dock.

She wasted no time in becoming the most active member in her church. Ministry in deed started at home for her. Going immediately to the worst drug corners in her North Philly neighborhood, she preached and testified to anyone who would listen and even those who wouldnt. She was personally responsible for the drop in the crime rate around 30th and Allegheny during her early years as a Christian, as she interrupted the daily business activities of the local drug dealers and prostitutes. Her witnessing resulting not only in new members in their church, on a weekly basis but new souls for Christ.

In 1989 at the age of 62 Aretha returned to school to complete the requirements for her High School diploma.
In 1990 at the age of 63 she received her Christian Education Diploma. At Berean Aretha served in several capacities including the Kitchen Ministry, Choir, Usher, Sunday School teacher, church Mother, and official candy lady. She was a faithful Sunday School attender and tither. She was director of their yearly side walk event for the church raising over $10,000 dollars during her reign as the Director. Aretha received three certificates of progress in pursuit of Christian Education. Also 3 certificates of achievement for perfect attendance, Fisherman and Christian Leadership in Sunday School. In 1997 Aretha received a certificate as a teacher in Evangelism. Three consecutive years in a row she was awarded 'Soul Winner of the Year Award' for the most people lead to Christ with over 200 in one year alone.

In 2003 at the age of 76 Aretha moved to Meadville to live with her daughter Orealia and her family. She joined St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church where she served under Pastor Bishop Stanley K. Smith. When Aretha arrived in Meadville she continued her outstanding service to the body of Christ, serving as head of the Kitchen Ministry, where she served for 6 years. She was appointed to the Mother/Deaconess Ministry in 2010. She was an active member of the nursing home Ministry. She was always serving and could be seen cleaning up after every service. She was a tither. She was always ready to give you a hug and a smile . She was a Mom to many and friend to many more and a perfect example of what a mother should be.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 12, 2014, from 10-11 at St. John Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 792 N. Main St., Meadville, where A Homecoming Service will be held at 11:00 AM with Bishop Stanley Smith, Pastor, officiating.

Aretha will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com