Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC

Obituary For Mrs. Easter Mildreth Gatewood Rhue

It’s not often that someone can name herself at birth, but such was the case for Mrs. Easter Mildreth Gatewood Rhue, one of eleven children born to the late Hugh and Hallie Gatewood. Born on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1928, the doctor who delivered her, the elder “Dr. Jim” Covington, said to her mother, Hallie, “Well it seems she’s named herself….thus the name “Easter.” Most people affectionately called her “Miss Easter.” She was a strong woman with a good heart and a great sense of humor, who loved people and enjoyed helping her family and others.

“Miss Easter” graduated Valedictorian in 1947 from Henry Grove High School and enrolled in cosmetology school at Morgan & Bands Beauty College in Charlotte, NC. She graduated from there in 1949 and opened her first shop in her mother’s house, in Lilesville, NC. She was one of the first Small Business owners in Anson County. She later built her first shop on a “piece of land” beside her brother’s home. She chose that location because it was “handy in the neighborhood” and customers would not have to walk far to get their hair “fixed.” Mrs. Rhue’s shop was a gathering place for women to come to laugh, to talk, and to be pampered. As a young widow, she created a livelihood that would provide a service to ladies in the community, a place to strategize civil rights activities, and an independent livelihood for her family that would span decades.

Mrs. Rhue was committed to excellence in her chosen field and worked as a beautician for over 64 years and was the resident beautician for Smith’s Funeral Home for 52 years. She was a Life Member of the NAACP, promoting voter registration and carrying people to the polls well into her 80’s. Her legacy of service included being a lifelong member and “Mother of the Church Emeritus” at Parsons Grove Missionary Baptist Church, working with the Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Association to ensure fair treatment of laborers, being a member of the Beauticians and Barbers Association, and opening her home to young professionals in need of housing (one of her dear guests is now president of a major university). She was a fighter who battled multiple health issues including diabetes, cancer(breast and lung), Alzheimer’s, Dementia; yet, she never lost her joy, her laughter, or her creative spirit. She enjoyed writing, reciting poetry for the church, and singing hymns and songs of faith.

Mrs. Rhue was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Hallie Gatewood, and her ten siblings: Danny, Beecher, Vance, Chris, James, Haywood, Reatha, Hallie Bell, Naomi and Theodia (Otis).

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Phanalphie Rhue Still (Kenneth) and Charlette Rhue Bennett (Vernon) and Carmen Gatewood, her very special niece, who was her caregiver for many months, providing loving comfort and care, as her health declined; grandchildren, Kimberly Bennett (Cedrick) and Ray Bennett (Brittanie); five grandchildren; a host of amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and a special family friend, Magnolia Ingram.

The Services to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Mother Gatewood were held on Sunday, November 28, 2021, 2:00pm, Parson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Lilesville, North Carolina. Interment will followed in the family plot of the Church Cemetery.

Guest Book

Phanalphie and Charlette- so sorry for your loss. I love you both, and wish God's comfort to you this holiday season...chuck

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So very sorry. Terry and Bobby Little Rockingham, North Carolina

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Terry and Bobby Little Rockingham, North Carolina

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Condolences to the Gatewood and Rhue families. Sorry for your loss and prayers for your family. Wayne and Angela Heilig

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Sending our deepest Condolences to Gatewood and Rhue family, from Wincy Harrington and the children. May the Lord continue to wrap His Loving arms around you and give you Peace🕊🙏🏾

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Sending our deepest Condolences to Gatewood and Rhue family, from Wincy Harrington and the children. May the Lord continue to wrap his Loving arms around you and give you Peace🕊🙏🏾

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Mrs. Easter will be greatly missed by many people. I always will remember her sweet words whenever we would visit at Parson Grove Church. She always had such a kind word for us and a beautiful spirit. Take your rest Mrs. Easter. You lived a long beautiful life and to Charlette and the rest of the family, we love you. May God continue to keep you close in his heart. Ann Ingram( Charlotte,NC.

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Condolences to the family and prayers for you all 🙏💗..Bertie Ingram and Family.

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The family have my sincere condolences during this time. She was a wonderful lady! Shirley Simon Allen🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💖

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Our sincere condolences to the family. James and Margaret Flowers

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Mother Rhue will be missed terribly by the Lilesville community..Heaven belongs to you.

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Mrs. Easter is truly a vessel of honor who will forever be in our hearts. She was a lovely woman with a beautiful spirit who will always be remembered. She will truly be missed. Prayers of comfort are being extended to the Gatewood/Rhue Family. Rev. Deidre McBride and Mrs. Lillie Ledbetter Families

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YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYS DONALD AND ROSEMARY BYRD

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You are in my thoughts. My deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. Easter Rhue served many with her great Beautician skills. She was a great inspiration to all Cosmetologist and the people she served in Anson County. Your mother was amazing woman and she will be sadly missed and well remembered. Let her memories provide you with great comfort and guidance. Helen C. Rorie & Family 💐

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Gatewood and Rhue families. Dianne Gatewood

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Praying for you and yours. It's been over 30 years, but you all have never been forgotten. Grace and Peace... Apostle David A. A. Mungo

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So sorry for your loss. Thomasina Montgomery

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Praying for the Gatewood/Rhue family comfort that comes from God We truly loved Mrs. Easter. Love y'all, Caleb & Catherine Sturdivant

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Sorry for your loss. May the Lord bless and comfort the family. Precious in the sight of the lord is the death of His Saints. Ps 116:15. Frank and Elouise Bennett

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To the family of Mrs Easter Rhue: she will be forever in our hearts and memory. To the daughters Charlotte and Phanerozoic as my little sisters who looked out for John and also fir Mrs Rhue who fixed Neils hair for our wedding Cg or starters it has been a long journey with many fond memories . John and Cornelia Liles

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I can't believe Mrs. Easter has left us. She was such a kind and giving person. Rest in heaven Mrs. Easter.

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I have so many fond memories of my Mama Rhue and sister Charlette that I will cherish forever. She has and always will have a special place in my heart. I loved her beautiful infectious smile. RIH💜💜💜💜 Nona W. Hubbard

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Mrs Easter was an talented hairstylist I was blessed to be one of her clients in my college years Praying for the Gatewood & Rhue family during this difficult time... RIH your work here is done❤🙏❤🙏❤

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Mrs. Easter was my hair stylish during my younger years. It was all about healthy hair.Thank you Charlette for the many times your mom had you to shampoo my hair while she worked on another client. She has touched so many lives. She will be missed. The family is in prayers. Rosa Wall-Little and family

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Condolences To The Rhue Family & Friends. Rest In Paradise Mrs. Rhue 🕊💐 Barbara A. Ratliff & Family

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What fond memories I have of Mrs Rhue! We had a barter system between us. I sewed for her and she in return took care of my hair for many years. Praying for the family. Pauline Horne

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My deepest condolences to the family. I enjoyed soooo many conversations with her when she cared for my hair🙏🥰😪

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Mrs.Easter Thursday will be extremely missed.What a joy it was to have known her over the years...The Montgomery Family

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So sorry for your loss praying for the family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC