Shirley Jean Key Rhodes

Shirley Jean Key Rhodes, 83, of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. 

Shirley was born on February 5, 1941 in Wilkes County. She was a cherished daughter of the late Claude Milton Key Sr. and Grace Elizabeth Higgins Key. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward "Eddie" Woodrow Rhodes; son, Gary Wayne Rhodes; brother, Claude Milton Key “Jr.” and sister, Frances (Snook) Goforth. 

 Shirley was a dedicated Sunday school teacher and served as church treasurer. She spent countless hours cleaning to ensure the church was a welcoming place for all. She was truly a devoted and faithful Christian.

Shirley loved staying connected with her family on Facebook and had a passion for genealogy, creating beautiful family trees that celebrated her heritage. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, yard saling and going to Value Village.

She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Rhodes Allman (Kilburn) and Lori Bradshaw (Tommy) and daughter in law Sherry Rhodes, 6 grandchildren, Kilburn Allman Jr. (Kristen), Kody Allman (Katie), Nikki Brigman, Travis Rhodes, TC Bradshaw, Justin Bradshaw (Stephanie), 12 greatgrandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild; sister, Becky Patterson; 3 nephews and 2 nieces. 

The family will receive friends from 1-2:00pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis. The service will be held in the chapel at 2:00pm with Pastor Jim Strickland officiating. Interment will immediately follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.