Lucy Mae Cole Rhoads

As her faith became sight, Lucy Rhoads of Mesquite, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, June 4, 2021. In the last four years, Lucy had numerous health issues, but she was filled with joy and was always ready to tell everyone who crossed her path about the Hope she had within her. Lucy was a Christmas gift, born December 25, 1938, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to William Stuart Cole and Pearlie Irene Cameron Cole. She was the eighth of nine children, their first daughter. When Lucy was 4-years-old, her sister, Martha, was also born on Christmas Day. Sharing a birthday brought the sisters even closer; Lucy was like a second mother to Martha. Being raised in a preacher's household, Lucy understood Jesus loved her and wanted a relationship with her. She gave her life to Christ in 1949 at the age of 11. This decision only strengthened her love of home, family, and friends. When Lucy was a teenager, her parents moved their family to North Texas, where Lucy attended and graduated from Van Alstyne High School at age 17. After graduation, Lucy moved to Dallas, Texas, to find employment. She soon met her lifelong friend, Mavis Magee, and this friendship changed both their lives. Lucy introduced Mavis to her future husband - Lucy's brother, Harmon. Harmon returned the favor by introducing Lucy to his Air Force buddy, Charles "Steve" Rhoads. The two couples were married in a double wedding on April 15, 1961. The two couples celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2021, surrounded by family and friends. Lucy and Steve's family began when their first daughter, Suzan, was born on September 9, 1962. Their second daughter, Jamie, was born five years later, on May 14, 1967. Steve and Lucy were members of Bethel Baptist Church in Dallas, where they served actively and faithfully for 44 years. It was here they met lifelong friends Sandra and Freddie Ransom. The two couples worked together in student ministry and senior ministry, and they enjoyed travels across North America. They raised their children in each other's homes; to this day, the two families remain an essential part of each other's lives. Lucy worked as a banker while her children were in school. However, once they graduated college, Lucy pursued her dream - real estate. Lucy began her real estate career with Ebby Halliday Realtors and eventually retired with Century 21. She often said she would sell real estate until she died, but ultimately, her daughter's poor health caused her to retire early. Lucy loved sharing her passion for home and family by helping other families find their homes. Lucy loved music. She often played her piano and sang in the church choir for many years. She also enjoyed quilting, sewing, and traveling. But most of all, Lucy loved her family. And her definition of family was anyone she loved. Lucy is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clarence "Doc" Cole, Claude Cole, Verlon "Glen" Cole, Virgil Cole, James Cole; and daughter, Suzan Elizabeth Rhoads. She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Rhoads, of Mesquite; daughter, Jamie Rhoads-Coley and husband Shaun of Mesquite; brother, Earl Ray Cole of Columbia, Mississippi; brother, Harmon Cole and wife Mavis of White Oak, Texas; sister, Martha Gary of Terrell, Texas; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends. Lucy followed the Lord in every aspect of her life and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of her life will be held at 1:00pm, Friday, June 11, 2021 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 417 Pinson Rd, Forney, TX, 75126. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Fellowship Forney - Lucy Rhoads Memorial

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Lucy Mae Cole Rhoads

December 25, 1938 - June 4, 2021