Rachel M. Rhodes, beloved daughter of the late Oliver George Potts and Lily B. Potts, was born on May 26, 1936, in the picturesque town of Primm Springs, Tennessee. She peacefully passed away on August 12, 2023, at NHC-Maury Transitional Care, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.
Rachel’s life was a tapestry of joy, laughter, and shared moments with her family. She found delight in the simple pleasures of life and held a special fondness for shopping and leisurely trips to the beach. Her family gatherings at Panama City Beach, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach were treasured moments that radiated with warmth and togetherness. The holiday season, especially Christmas, held a special place in her heart, and years later she found joy in staying at the Christmas House in Gatlinburg, surrounded by her beloved cousins.
Family was Rachel’s cornerstone, and she cherished the time spent laughing and bonding with her loved ones. As the youngest member of a closely-knit family of eight children, Rachel’s role as the baby created bonds that were unbreakable. Her deep connections extended beyond her immediate family, as she was an active member of Greymere and Highland Park Church of Christ before later finding a spiritual home at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church.
Rachel’s cousins were not only her relatives but also her dearest friends. Barbara Cole, Beatrice Duvall, Ivy Parr, Marie Matlock, Mable Goodwin, Kathleen Mitchell, Ruthie Stanfill, Mary Jones, and others were kindred spirits who added richness and love to her life. Rachel’s love for her family knew no bounds, and her love extended to her daughter Sharon Blankenship (Scott Fiedler), grandson Andrew Blankenship, and nieces and nephews: Wanda Padgett, Martha Sellars, Sheila Reece, Rick Perry, Mike Potts, Debbie Jimerson, Michelle Scroggins, Larry Phillips, Linda Clark, and Diane Roberts
In Rachel’s heart, family was a treasure beyond measure. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Isaac Potts, Lora LeMay, Jackie Potts, Pelham Potts, Lillie Phillips, Lester Potts, and Ray Potts. While Rachel’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit and the love she sowed into the hearts of all who knew her will continue to bloom for generations to come.
Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know and love her. Rachel M. Rhodes will be remembered not only for the joyful moments shared but also for the bonds that tied her family together, creating a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. A graveside service for Rachel will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Polk Memorial Gardens.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
