Obituary of Frances Lillian Rhodes

Our beloved mother Frances Lillian Rhodes was the third of six children born to the late Fred Sr. and Irene Borum on September 22,1944, in Philadelphia, PA. On Friday, October 16, 2020 our beloved mother transitioned on her journey to heavenly paradise. Frances was educated in the Philadelphia Public school system and graduated from John Bartam High School in 1964. Frances also attended James Martin School of Respiratory Therapy and graduated in 1976. Frances was married to the late Bruce Rhodes Sr on November 30, 1968 who was the love of her life, and from that union they had 2 beautiful children Bruce Jr and Danielle. Frances gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at West Park Church of Deliverance in West Philadelphia under the leadership of the late Rev. Marcellus Martin. She continued to praise and worship with the same congregation as they later converted to Christ Community Church under the leadership of Pastor Terry Davis. Frances loved the Lord and everyone she encountered knew she was a person with a loving spirit. She was always willing to help family and friends in need. Frances worked numerous jobs in different hospitals throughout her years at Methodist Hospital, Mercy Douglass Hospital, Temple University, St. Mary’s Hospital, and finally planted her feet at Neuman Medical Center as a Respiratory Therapist Technician. Frances later retired from Neuman Medical Center early in 1997 after 20 years of service due to a medical reason. Frances suffered a massive stroke in 2008 after the loss of her husband. After physical rehabilitation from the stroke Frances joined the Mercy Life Adult Care Center in 2009. Her participation in the LIFE program she developed many friendships and was loved by the staff. The staff gave her the nickname “Apple Bottom” because she loved to dance while at the center. The aides took a liking to her and that kept her going. Preceding her in death: her siblings Joan, Betty, Jackie, and Fred Jr. Frances leaves to cherish and carry her memories: her children Bruce Rhodes Jr, Danielle Rhodes-Chandler, one son-in-law Gerald Chandler, one daughter-in-law Shamina Upshur-Rhodes, six grandchildren Shadira, Quran, Raheemah, Kashmir, Kashaya, Kaseem, one great grand-daughter Dream Monae, one sister Marian Borum-Nixon, one sister-in-law Barbara Miller, one special friend/sista Betty English Goode, her favorite cousin Miriam Green, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends