Mary Catherine Rhodes

Mary Catherine “Kay” Rhodes, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, made her transition from life to eternity on June 16, 2026.

Kay was born on July 9, 1939, in Camden, AR, to the late James H. and Mary L. Heard, Sr. In 1965, Kay met the love of her life, William “Bill” Rhodes, Jr. They married that same year and shared 60 beautiful years together until her passing, surrounded by the family they built together. Together, they set a tremendous example of faith, love of God and family, and strength of character; a source of inspiration to all who knew them.

Kay was an active member of First Baptist Church Dallas for 35 years, where she sang as a member and soloist in the Sanctuary Choir. She performed in the church's annual Family Night performances, held at the Music Hall in Fair Park and the Majestic Theater in downtown Dallas; ran the ticket office for those productions; was an integral part of the Living Christmas Tree in the original sanctuary; and toured globally with the choir and orchestra. Kay worked in the early stages of Criswell College to make it what it is today.

Kay served on the Women’s Board for Dallas Baptist University, where she was the 16th recipient of the board's Ruth Award for her dedication and devotion to the organization. Early in her life, she had the honor of working for the Executive Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and Crescendo Music, which inspired her lifelong passion for music. During her college years at LSU, she dreamed of becoming an opera singer.

Kay is survived by her husband, William E. Rhodes, Jr., her son, William E. Rhodes, III (Jody), three grandchildren, Alex E. Rhodes (Emma), Sarah F. Rhodes, and A. Scott Rhodes, three great-grandchildren, Paisley Rhodes, Liam Rhodes, and Theodore E. Rhodes, and her brother, James H. Heard, Jr., and many other family and friends who will miss her deeply.