Mary Dell Sutton Rhodes, 87, began rest in her eternal home on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Mary Dell was born in Wayne County to the late Franklin Fred Sutton and Mary Louise Craddock Sutton on March 18, 1934. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bryan Rhodes; a daughter-in-law, Lynn Rhodes; and a granddaughter, Cecilia Rose Wiggins.
A caring heart and spirit of compassion served Mary Dell well in her career in social services. Always wanting the best for others, she was quick to stand up for the marginalized in society, seeking to care for the least, the last, and the lost. She was swift to rebuke and correct anyone whom she felt was out of line, and her stern way with words made sure that the hearer listened and obeyed. The ultimate grammar policeman, she loved the English language and wanted everyone to use it correctly.
Music was a passion that Mary Dell shared with her husband, and she offered her skills willingly for the churches in which she worshipped. Seeing the need for a leader in music ministry while attending St. Mark UMC in Kinston, Mary Dell stepped in as choir director. Alongside her friend, Joyce Ball, the two volunteered as director and accompanist, creating a strong and thriving program for a small congregation. After joining Queen Street United Methodist Church, she sang in the choir and faithfully attended as often as her health would allow. Though soprano was her favorite part, she was willing to sing wherever needed—soprano 1, soprano 2, alto, and even a little tenor. Choir members were more like family, and she loved each of them as they did her.
Actively involved in the various ministries of the church, Mary Dell taught Sunday School for the Frank Mock Class, served as circle leader and various positions in United Methodist Women, and was a constant help in the kitchen. From preparing meals for Wednesday night suppers, cooking meals for the homeless shelter, or helping with bereavement luncheons, she was one on whom you could always count. With her vision and hard work, the church was able to raise funds and renovate the kitchen to be a professional kitchen suitable to prepare for various functions of the church’s life.
Mary Dell learned early on how to prepare good country soul food. Knowing the best kept secrets of the south, she’d be quick to tell you that good biscuits are made with lard, hog jowl is better than bacon, vegetables aren’t worth eating if they haven’t been seasoned with meat, and at least a pinch of sugar goes in just about everything. Her cornbread was fried thin, her greens had a little sheen, and everything was made with love. She could make a grand meal on a shoestring budget and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
The love of her life and true life partner entered her world while on a church trip at Camp Don Lee in 1954. Bryan and Mary Dell married on June 5, 1955 and spent over 66 devoted years together. From that time on, you never heard one name called without the other. The two stuck together through thick and thin and fully lived their wedding vows through better or worse, richer or poorer, and in sickness and in health, living faithfully with and for each other until they were parted by death. Even in death, Bryan continued to go ahead of Mary Dell to ensure everything was perfection for his bride, arriving in their heavenly home just twelve days prior to make sure her place was prepared.
All Mary Dell ever wanted was to be a mother. She and Bryan were blessed with three children, and they devoted their energy and time to the lives of each of them. Although Mary Dell could be blunt in her speech, her advice was always warranted, given at just the right time, and always in the best interest of those she loved most.
Her mothering nature was a welcomed addition to the lives of countless others throughout her life, and it didn’t stop with just her human babies. Cats and dogs were more like family than pets, and her heart melted each time a stray showed up at the house. Each animal that met Mary Dell found a forever home and loving family in her presence.
A service to remember and honor Mary Dell’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home with Rev. Allen Bingham officiating. Committal will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive. The family will receive friends at Rouse Funeral Home one hour prior to the service.
Mary Dell is survived by her children, Trey Rhodes and wife, Bethany, Neil Rhodes, and Jenni Rhodes Wiggins; grandchildren, Ethan Garris, Elijah Garris, Abygail Garris, Amberly Garris, Charity Rhodes, Harrison Rhodes, Robert Bryan Wiggins, and Peyton Wiggins; her canine companion, Sophie; and her Queen Street Church family.
