On Sunday morning, March 9, 2025, Virgie Rhodes South, wife of the late Ralph C. South, left the soaring bonds of Earth, put out her hand and touched the face of God.

She is survived by her sister, Joyce Rhodes Bowers of Mountain Rest, SC; sister-in-law, Sylvia Rhodes of Toccoa, GA; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She began working in textiles at age 16 at Equinox Mills in Anderson. Soon after she moved to Clinton, SC working at Gwen Evans and Lydia Mills. She met Ralph while boarding with his mother. They married while living in Clinton. She and Ralph returned to Anderson after 10 years. She retired from LaFrance Industries at age 65. After a few months she went back to work at the Clemson Outdoor Lab for 13 years.

She loved her family dearly and was a surrogate mother to all. Being strong willed, she never gave up; doing things her way right to the end. She gave her opinion whether it was asked for or not.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Earl Rhodes and Edith Burdette Rhodes; brothers and sisters-in-law, J.E. and Ruth Rhodes, Bruce and Bobbie Jean Rhodes, Kenneth Rhodes, and Larry Rhodes; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Ed Smith, Earlie and W.C. Hart, and Barbara and John Stanton; nephew, Jesse Rhodes; nieces, Patsy Brissey and Donna Steadman; and great nephews, Casey Rhodes and Corey Smith.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. DeLennon Stowe officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PAWS, 1320 US-29, Anderson, SC 29626.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.