Barbara "Bobbie" Wray Rhodes

Barbara “Bobbie” Wray Rhodes, 77, died peacefully at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Born in Petersburg, Virginia on April 8, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Landon Armstead Wray and Amelia Brame McDonald. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Landon “Buddy” Wray. Bobbie is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth Rhodes; two daughters, Daphne Jolly (David) of Colonial Heights and Carol Bennett (Matt) of Colonial Heights; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Gegenheimer (Mike), Emily Smith (William), Alex Jolly, Chase Bennett, Austin Bennett, and Mason Bennett; five great-grandchildren, Evan Foster, Alexis Foster, Michael Gegenheimer, Owen Foster, and Gabriel Smith; three sisters, Connie Myers, Cathie Abernathy (Walton), and Dorothy “Dottie” Harvanek; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was also a proud dog mom to Buddy and Amelia, her beloved pets. 

She was an active volunteer member of the Optimist Club of Colonial Heights for over 20 years. Bobbie was selfless and gave her time and energy to many causes. As an optimist member, she volunteered for years at the BIB Tournament, Christmas shopping for Cancer Patients at the Children’s Hospital, Fun Fishing Day, Fort Clifton Festival, and numerous other events. You could always find her faithfully at the front gate of the BIB tournament selling T-Shirts. She was a true friend to many and loved them with all her heart. There were so many special people she cherished, all of whom supported her to the end. A special thanks to Carol Arnold, Libby Southgate and Patty Clark who went above and beyond. 

She was a loving wife, mother and devoted Grandma/GG. What she enjoyed more than anything was sharing in her grandchildren’s accomplishments. Hot or cold, rain or shine, she rarely missed a school event or field hockey, softball, baseball, basketball, tennis or volleyball game. She was there in person or spirit to celebrate or console, she was there! She will truly be missed on the sidelines but will forever be held in our hearts. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, with Matthew Bennett officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society.