Marlee Flakes Rhodes

Marlee Flakes Rhodes, born on January 29, 1938 entered into peaceful rest on July 23, 2013. Preceded her in death were her parents, Carl Flakes, Sr. and Blanche O. Flakes; twin brother, Robert Lee Flakes; sisters Dorothy Flakes and Glover Sanders. Through her union with the late Willie Rhodes Sr. she is survived by four children: Micheal Rhodes (Sharon Thompson), Willie Rhodes, Jr., Demetris Ross (Timothy Ross) and Terra Rhodes, all residing in Central Arkansas. She is also survived by one sister; Pauline Alexander of Richmond, Calif.; and brothers, Carl Flakes, Jr. of Flint, Mich.; and Jonathan Flakes of N. Little Rock, Ark. At an early age, she united with the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Menifee, Ark. One of the first to attend college in her family, she graduated from Arkansas Baptist College and returned to her home town Menifee to teach 3rd grade at East Side Elementary. After retiring from teaching, she continued to be involved caring for children and families as a social worker with the Department of Human Services in Little Rock. She loved sewing, designing, and various crafts; always welcoming a challenge. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she embraced the role of caretaker. She has taken in family members, friends, and even strangers under her care. As a mother, sister, educator and caretaker, the void she leaves is heavy; but cherished memories brighten the day. Family hour will be today at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 902 Atkinson St., North Little Rock from 6 til 8 p.m. and funeral services will be Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Menifee, Ark. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202 (501) 376-4800. "Only Heaven Can Serve You Better!"