In loving memory of Flossie Virginia Mizell Rhodes
Sunrise – Dec. 20, 1925 – Sunset – Nov. 18, 2012
Mrs. Flossie Virginia Mizell Rhodes was born December 20, 1925 in the Travis Community of Columbia, N.C. to the late Andrew Wilson Mizell, Jr. and Viada Rowsom Mizell.
Mrs. Rhodes attended Travis and Tyrrell County Training Schools until soon after high school when she moved to Washington, D.C .with her late husband, John Rhodes.
She was baptized at an early age and continued her spiritual growth in Washington, D.C. joining Walker Memorial Baptist Church where she was an active member in many activities. In Washington, D.C. Mrs. Rhodes made her mark on the community by serving others in need, gaining recognition among the residents for her involvement in the 1960’s anti- poverty movement, particularly the United Planning Organization.
Rhodes organized elderly residents with civil rights legends Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fannie Lou Hamer and risked to organize the community during the Tent City protests in the 1960’s in Washington.
She was also a participant and receptionist for the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged for 13 years.
She also served two years in Vietnam. Flossie’s beloved husband, John Rhodes passed in 1979. Preceding her in death are Andrew, Sr. and Virginia (wife), Mack and Mariah (wife), Charles and Verna (wife), James and Delia (wife).
Also preceding her in death are her brothers and sisters, Sylvanus, Felton, Esrom, Eucelius, Oberia, Wilson, Leo-nard, Elvin and a favorite niece, Myrtle.
Remembering their loss are her two sister-in-laws, Bessie Mizell and Ophelia Mizell, a host of grandchildren and great- grandchildren and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, two goddaughters, Linda and Julia, and a list of friends whom share long- lasting memories.
“Our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend took great interest in all of us and looked forward to seeing us grow into strong, faithful, and spiritual men and women full of courage and honor and she will for-ever be greatly missed,” stated son Charles Ray Rhodes, fondly.
