Vivian May Rhodes

Vivian May Rhodes, 82, of New York City, formerly of Winchester, Virginia passed into eternal life Tuesday March 30, 2010 at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.

Mrs. Rhodes was born October 14, 1927 in Oberlin, Ohio, and was raised in Winchester, Virginia. She was a graduate from Douglas in Winchester and the Manassas Industrial School of Northern Virginia. She attended college briefly in Southern Virginia.

After she married, she moved her family to New York where she raised her children and embarked in a career that expanded 30 years.

Vivian worked as an Assistant Buyer for Gimbels department Store for many years. She later joined the corporate world to further her career, and took a position with Rockefeller Group Inc. in the Accounting Department, until her retirement. Vivian served on the Board for her New York Co-op Apartment.

She was a member, and served on the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Missionary Board.

Vivian loved life. She traveled the world, loved to dance, and was very sociable. She had friends from all over the world. However, it was her family and friends in Winchester that she talked about the most.

Vivian was a loving mother and grandmother. She taught her children to be strong, independent and to have good ethics, Vivian showed them how to stand together and not alone. She was proud of her children. Vivian loved when her family came together, especially during the holidays. As everyone migrated to her home in New York for the most festive and joyful Christmas Holiday, her door was always open. Not only did her children enjoy themselves, but also her children's friends. Every year the gathering grew in size because friends would bring their families and friends. She touched so many people with her lively spirit, laughter, and love.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters; Sherri Rhodes and Carita Hairston both of New York, and Glenda Rhodes of Reston, Virginia; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

One son Melvin Rhodes preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Tuesday April 6, 2010 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, Virginia with Pastor Gilbert M. Mack, Jr. officiating.

Family will receive friends Monday April 5, 2010 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the church.

Friends may also visit Monday April 5, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Cartwright Funeral Home in Winchester, Virginia.

Interment will be in Orrick Cemetery in Winchester. Virginia.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, Virginia
cartwrightfuneralhome.com