It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney, affectionally known as Sister, who left this world on the 12th of February, 2024. Mary (Mari) was born on September 7, 1935, and throughout her 88 precious years on earth, she touched many lives with her bluntness, wisdom, and unconditional love. Mary (Mari) was a phenomenal woman who lit up the room with her smile, laughter, and witty sayings.

Her legacy will continue through her children: Vincent Rhodes, Jonathan Evans, Cheryl Evans, and Kristin Burney. Moreover, her wisdom and teachings will echo in the lives of her grandchildren; Gabrielle McElrath, Malcolm and Justin Carter, Bristen and Pendleton Evans, Kendric and Kadyn Burney, and her great grandsons Gabriel and Lamont "Peanut" Timmons, Jr. Their lives are a living testament to Mary's strong spirit and unwavering love.

She also leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Turhan "Cecil" Rhodes, son-in-law, Keithe Bradford, four bonus daughters, Galen Brown, Ronci Eke, Tonya Hawkins, and Marilyn Spencer, and a host of family and friends that loved and cared about her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Obediah "Skip" Burney, in 1984, after 19 years of being together. Also preceding her was daughter, Tamara Bradford; parents, King David and Bessie Rhodes; siblings, Lillie Harris, Laura Howard Ortiz, Elizabeth Rhodes, Ruby Williams, Rosalie Brown, and Leon Rhodes.

Mary (Mari) graduated from Youngstown University. She worked as a librarian for many years and concluded her professional career in 1986, retiring from the Youngstown Board of Education. Her dedication to her work was highly appreciated, and she nurtured many young people in her library. Her creativity showed through her sewing, cooking, throwing backyard barbeques, and catering events and parties.

Mary (Mari) was a woman of faith who accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. Although she hadn't attended church for many years, she acknowledged God blessed and healed her time and time again. She was a member of The Red Hat Society - Women in the Spirit, and Sisters Chat and Chew Book Club and cherished the bonds of friendship and sisterhood that she found with these ladies.

We take comfort in knowing that Mary's life was filled with love, faith, and joy. Her incredible strength, life lessons, and memory will continue to inspire and guide us. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, but never forgotten. Rest in heavenly peace, Mommy, Grandma, Sister, and Mari.

The incredible legacy of Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney will be celebrated Saturday, February 24, 2024, at The Sword of the Lord Global Ministries, 474 Early Road, Youngstown,Oh. The Celebration of Life Services will be officiated by Apostle Cheryl Woodard-Harris and Mari's daughter, Minister Cheryl Evans, will deliver the eulogy. There will be a public viewing at 9:00am.

Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery after the conclusion of the services.

The children of Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort and After-Care Arrangements to J.E Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511 (330) 782-8500

Mari's Comfort Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.