Opal V Haynes

Mrs. Opal V. Haynes Rhodes, age 91, of Park Avenue, Sandersville, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, March 4, 2023 following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, March 8 ^th at 2:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home with burial in Brownwood Cemetery. Reverend Nathan Hodges and Reverend Gary Griffin will officiate. Serving as pallbearers will be Louis Tanner, Donald Blizzard, Greg Rossidivito, Joe Rossidivito, Jordy Tingle, Jordan Fenton and Max Blizzard. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Giddens, Bev Evans, Clayton Sheppard, Lee Lord, Horace Daniel, Willie Leverett and Ralph Todd. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 12 noon until the hour of service at 2:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Mrs. Rhodes was born and reared in Tennille, the daughter of the late Burley Veal and the late Dora Lee Webb Veal.  She graduated Tennille High School and married Franklin Haynes upon his return from the Military.  She began her working career downtown Sandersville working for Darlings Five and Dime and then at Miller's Food Store. She later worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Hiram Jackson.  In 1984, Opal was elected as Washington County's Chief Magistrate, a position she proudly held until her retirement in 2004.  She found much joy in working in her yards and she also loved to sew, paint and work puzzles. Her passion became being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband's A. Franklin Haynes and E. Harold Rhodes and her brothers, Eugene Veal and Louis Veal.

Survivors are, her daughters, Barbara H. Cerra, Alisa H. Rossidivito and Tara H. Story and her husband David all of Sandersville; grandchildren, Shannon Blizzard (Donald), Louis Tanner (Jennifer), Greg Rossidivito (Sundee), Joe Rossidivito (Laura), Durinda Orr, Ashley Story (Jordy Tingle) and Allen Story; seven great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.

The family will be at the home of Alisa Rossidivito on McIntyre Street in Sandersville.

Donations may be made to Piney Mount UMC Missions Fund, P.O. Box 575, Sandersville, Ga. 31082

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.  Leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com