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Obituary For Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney
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.
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Shunnecia Baker sent Golden Days Basket for Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney - February 21, 2024
Our sincere condolences to the family. Praying for the family during this difficult time. -Susan, Shunnecia, Kaye-Ann.
Joanna Smith sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Mary (Mari) Frances Rhodes Burney - February 20, 2024
Dear Mrs. Burney, you are missed and very much loved.
Joanna Smith and family
She was such a one of a kind, special woman. I had the pleasure and honor to meet her. She had a genuine smile and always willing to lend her hand. May she rest in continued peace. Sending prayers to family and friends to offer comfort. You are in His heavenly kingdom!!!! ❤️🙏🏾✝️
I was honored to speak with Mummy (Lady) as Kris calls her. She was a delight to speak with, so genuine, I could feel love in her voice, Mummy called me by my name, shared how Kris use to tell her "God said to not spank your daughter when she did something wrong" Mummy further stated that she can't wait to meet me, but never got the chance to. I know Mummy is in the arms of the lord resting.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mummy . Her love and guidance will forever be part of you, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her .
Sister you will be truly missed your with mom together again to the family you have my sympathy and prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Eric (Jerry) Terrell
Sister you will be truly missed now you and mom back together again to the family you have my sympathy and prayers 🙏🙏🙏
My condolences to the family. I remember her letting Tim hosting the crossing of me and my sisters. She always had kind words. Rest well mother Mari
"I will always miss our phone conversations and the words of wisdom you shared with me. Just like me, you were my mother's baby sister. During our last conversation, you made me laugh when you told me that everyone calls you Aunt Sister. You were my Aunt and my mother's baby sister. I will never forget you, and I will love you forever. Please pass on my greetings to my mother. With love, Your Niece Linda."
Missionary with great sympathy my heart goes out to you and your loved ones. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Your mom's smile brought joy to my heart every time she came to visit . Love Bishop and Lady Robinson
To my big sister I'm so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences to you and your family you all are in my prayers. I love you so much, and I am here for you always and forever. You little sister Marquetta
To the Burney family, may the love and memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. Thinking of the family in this difficult time. Eric and Jackie Williams
The Grant family extends our condolences to the Burney family. We love you and are praying for you.
~Andre & Aretha Grant
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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