Phyllis Joanne Rhodes, 96, of Morgantown, passed away Tuesday morning, December 17, 2024 at Sundale Nursing Home in Morgantown.
Born January 27, 1928 in Saint Albans, WV, Phyllis was a daughter of the late Albert and Gertrude Reynolds Cason.
Phyllis is survived by her son, Walter C. “Casey” Rhodes and his wife Diane M. Rhodes; four grandchildren, Dr. Andrew P. Rhodes and his wife Carissa L. Herman of Morgantown, Walter “Alex” Rhodes and his fiancee Rhowyn A. S. Saffel of Morgantown, Jamison S Whiston and his wife Tammy of Nebraska, and Jeffrey B. Whiston and his wife Kimberly of Morgantown; eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by two daughters, Trudy Rhodes in 2007, and Jenny Rhodes in 2020.
Phyllis graduated from Morgantown High School and from West Virginia University with a degree in Music. At the age of seven, she was considered to be a child prodigy on the piano. She worked at Fawley Music Company from 1971 – 1974, and retired from the Genetics Department at West Virginia University in 1993. In the 1960’s, she was the organ player for the First Presbyterian Church in Point Marion. Additionally, she was a member of the Red Hat Society and the String of Pearls, both in Morgantown. She was known for her dry sense of humor.
At her request, there will be no services and inurnment will take place at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens at a later date.
The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Sundale Nursing Home and Morgantown Hospice for the care provided to her in her final days.
Please consider a contribution in Phyllis’s memory to any charity that benefits the welfare and well-being of animals.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory of Westover, (304) 292-9494, is providing compassionate professional services to the family.
Condolences and other gifts of comfort may be offered to the family at www.smithfcc.com.
