Mrs. Vera Margaret Rhodes passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2012. Polly, as she was known to her family and friends, was born October 23, 1926 in Glenmora, LA to Cody and Ruby Blackburn. She was a graduate of Louisiana State University and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was a resident of Groves since 1951. Vera was a born teacher as testified by more than 35 years of teaching in public schools in Louisiana and Texas. She was highly respected and loved by both fellow teachers and students. Upon retirement from C.O. Wilson Junior High School the mayor of Nederland, TX proclaimed May 30, 1986 "Vera Rhodes Day"- an honor she was quite proud of as it was initiated by students she had taught through the years. After retirement, Vera never stopped teaching. She became a very devoted Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church in Groves where she was also a WMU participant and devout member of the congregation. As can be attested by all who knew her, Vera was a truly devout woman of the Lord, a trusted confidant, a gracious and loving mother, as well as a proud and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. She exuded love whether it be with family, friend or stranger. She warmed hearts, caused laughter and fed the body and spirit of all who entered her home. Whether she was baking cookies for VBS or baking bread and her famous cinnamon rolls for family and friends, she touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her home was one of open arms, unending patience and continuous love. Vera is survived by children Tom and Kathi Rhodes of DeRidder, LA. and Margaret Rhodes Sullivan of Groves, TX. She is also survived by grandchildren, Cody and Tonya Rhodes, Aaron and Kathryn Rhodes, Scott Rhodes and Brittany Sullivan and by great-grandchildren Kamryn and Turner Rhodes and one brother, Charles Blackburn of Alexandria, LA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold W. Rhodes, to whom she was married for 61 years, sisters Cody Anderson and Virginia Carruth and brothers L.E. Blackburn, James Blackburn and Buell Blackburn. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas with Dr. Joe Worley and Reverend Charles Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.