Loretta "Rita" (Brinson) Rhodus

Loretta B. (Rita) Rhodus, 93, of Irmo, S.C. and formerly of Williston, SC, slipped the bonds of her earthly home on May 4, 2025 and went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior. Her 4 children were a constant presence during her final transition. Loretta was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and matriarch of the Rhodus family.

She was born to Alton and Nellie Brinson on March 6, 1932, in the town of Winnsboro, SC, where she lived with her parents and sibling until she met a young man named Grover W. (Bill) Rhodus and was destined to be his wife. After their wedding, Bill and Loretta made their way to Williston, SC in February of 1964, bought a home and settled down. Loretta became employed at the Williston Manufacturing Company where she worked for 11 years. Her next employment was with the Savannah River Site for a duration of 18 years. During those years, Bill and Loretta made time to raise their family of 4 children, Billy, Susan, Michael and Cindy.  Loretta joined The First Baptist Church of Williston in 1964 and became an active member. She joined the Lydia Bible Sunday School Class, and due to her love of music, became a member of the choir.  Loretta was also a member of the Gideon’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary.  She stayed very active in her children’s lives, making sure they attended church on Sunday and school during the weekdays. She guided and directed them in a way as to prepare them to become upstanding, productive and respected adults. She was also well known for her amazing ability as a seamstress and often made clothes for her children as well as clothes for others when requested. She was always quick to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Due to Bill’s failing health, they moved to Oakleaf Village in Lexington, SC where Bill served out his final days after a long bout with Lewy Body disease. Bill and Loretta were married for 68 years, and ironically, Bill’s funeral was on their 68 th anniversary. After Bill’s passing, Loretta remained a resident until the severe isolation of Covid-19. Recognizing the effect it was having on her, Loretta was invited to move in with her daughter, Susan and her husband, Stan, where she remained for the rest of her life. She had many friends visit her and her children and grandchildren all kept in constant contact with her by phone calls or visits. Loretta remained active and alert and loved reading her Bible and watching recorded DVD’s of the church services at First Baptist Church of Williston. Her influence stretched far and wide, and she will be sorely missed by all she touched.

Loretta is survived by her children, Grover W. (Billy) Rhodus, Jr (Pat) of Barnwell, SC, Susan (Stan) Derrick of Irmo, SC, Michael (Debbie) Rhodus of Hickory, NC and Cindy (Mark) Bell of Suwanee, Ga. Also, nieces

Nancy Johns (Richard), Tommy Yarborough (Mary Anne), Jean Branham Miller, Ayla Miller, Donna Wideman and Sharon Price, and Cousin Wayne Black (Linda). Grandchildren Cristi Kemp (Jerry), Heather Smith (Clif), Daniel Rhodus, Julie Bell, David Rhodus (Ashton), Katie B. Fleuren (Dennis), Stephanie Derrick Frost, Nikki (Naomi) and Michael Griffin. Great-Grandchildren Sheaffer McCormack, Ivy McCormack (Michael Morris), Zac McCormack, Connor Rhodus, Koldyn, John Walker, and Lawson McLane, Andrew Frost, Phillip Frost, and Paul Frost, as well as three Great-Great Grandchildren, Jayla Rose McCormack Jones, Jaylen McCormack Jones and River Morris.

Loretta was pre-deceased by her husband Bill Rhodus, parents, Alton and Nellie Brinson and sister Lillian B. Yarborough.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on May 24, 2025 at Folk Funeral Home in Williston, SC with Dr. Stephen Burnette and Reverend Jimmy Hanf officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Loretta’s ashes will be buried beside her husband in the Williston Cemetery.  Contributions to The First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 366 Williston, SC 29853 is requested in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Empyrean Hospice,  nurses and staff for their love and care shown to them.

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