Rachel M. Rhodes

Rachel M. Rhodes, beloved daughter of the late Oliver George Potts and Lillie 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 simple joys in life. She loved spending time with family , cooking on the holidays, and beach vacations. Some of her favorite destinations were Panama City, Orange Beach, and the Great Smokey Mountains.

Rachel grew up on a farm. Rachel appreciated hard work and self-sufficiency. She was proud of her work at the Tennessee Knitting Mills as a seamtress, The Magnolia Tree Room, and as a loving caregiver at the Poplar Estates.

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, Jack 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. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com