Betty Swindle Rhodes, 80
October 27, 1944 – November 30, 2024
AUBURN – Betty Swindle Rhodes is rejoicing in heaven today after transforming to Gloryland from NMMC-Hospice Unit on Saturday, November 30, 2024. She was 80 years old. Betty was born in Tiptonville, TN on October 27, 1944 to the late Chester Swindle and Betty Jean Wells Swindle. She lived most of her life in the Tupelo area except from 1994-2022 when she and her husband, James, chose to live in the Great Smokey Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN. Betty was employed for over 20 years with the Medical Records Department at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. She married the love of her life, James Edward Rhodes, on Jan. 26, 1976, a marriage of almost 48 years. Betty lived a solid, faith-based life which was rooted in her love for God and her family. MamMaw doted over and cherished her only grandson, Jase, age 8 and could never get enough time with him. Betty’s love for God’s creation was enormous and she and James chose to live the last 30 plus years of her life in the Great Smokey Mountains where she dwelled in peace with God, family and nature. She loved Cade’s Cove and visited at least weekly to watch for bears and ride the mountain roads. Betty and James were active members of King City Church after their return to Lee County in 2022. They were faithful members of Henderson Chapel Baptist Church in their years in the Smokies. Aside from the joy she received from family gatherings, Betty cherished reading, watching old movies and nature walks.
A service celebrating her life will be held at 1 PM Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 from the Sadie M. Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with her pastors, Bro. Jeff Robbins and Bro. Shane Robbins officiating. Burial will follow in Lee Memorial Park in Verona. Visitation will be from Noon-service time on Monday, all at Holland funeral Directors-Tupelo, which is honored to serve their longtime friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 1 PM, and will be archived thereafter.
Betty leaves to celebrate her memories her husband, James E. Rhodes of the Auburn Community; her two sons, David Rhodes and partner, Robert Mitchell of Petersburg, TN, and Robert Rhodes and wife, Jessica of the Auburn Community; her grandson, Jase Rhodes; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Swindle of Brewer; her nephews, Steven Swindle and Brian Swindle; her great nieces, Madison Swindle and Piper Swindle, and great nephews, Ty Swindle and Tripp Swindle; her “bonus” grands, Emma, Sadie and Maddie Hueckel; special “in laws” by marriage, Suzonne and Mike Hueckel. Betty also leaves her beloved dog, Isabella Francheske, “Bella” for short.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Betty Swindle, and two brothers, Henry Swindle and James Swindle.
Pallbearers will be David Rhodes, Robert Rhodes, Robert Mitchell, Brian Hueckel, Steven Swindle and Walter Burns.
Memorials may be made to King City Church, 1921 Briar Ridge Road, Tupelo, MS 38804.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
