January 26, 1926 – May 29, 2005
Eddie Mae was born on January 26, 1926, in Whiteville, Tennessee to Johnny and Florida Jones. Her parents and seven siblings preceded her in death – Mildred, Alberta, J.L., Leroy, Green, A.W. and Beatrice.
She attended Smith Chapel Elementary school. She gave her life to Christ at an early age at Smith Chapel Baptist Church. While residing at Parkside Towers Nursing Center, she continued her Christian fellowship as a member of Covenant for Life Christian Center, under the leadership of Pastor Anthony L. Trice.
In 1941, she married to Charles Rhodes. To this union two children were born, William Clark and Florida Mae. The family later moved to St. Louis, where she found employment in a bakery and became the 1st black woman of Local Union #4. She learned many skills that later benefited her as an entrepreneur: the owner of Jones Confectionery for 8 years and also founder of the Country Girl’s Pie House, operating since 1968.
Eddie Mae was a Christian woman who practiced high spiritual character. She was a leader and matriarch in her family and devoted her life to helping kindred, friends and neighbors alike. As long as she was able, her home was the meeting place for family and friends and her table was always spread with nourishing food, that she prepared. She had a rare interest and integrity in her that enabled her to do the work that God assigned her to do. The battle is fought, the struggle is over, her sufferings are ended, and the victory is hers through Jesus Christ.
God’s angels escorted her to heaven on Sunday, May 29, 2005, 2:20 p.m. She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving children William Clark (Eloise) of Rialto, CA and Florida Mae; sister Molly Joe White of Whiteville, Tennessee; adopted sister/cousin Georgia Hunter; grandchildren Monica, Bernard (Karen), Tonda, Eric (Deborah), Jackie (Terrance), Derrick (Yolanda), Nicole, Rena, and Vincent (Crystal); 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grand children Jayson, Shayla and Taj Jr.; 2 sister-in-laws Laura Bell Jones and Marilyn Jones; an Aunt Susie (Bell); a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, many, many friends, special customers since 1968, and the staff at Parkside Towers.
