Dorothy Naomi Rhodes Kite
Dottie was born February 12, 1923 in Moss Point, MS on Dantzler Street, the third child and daughter, of Hazel Corine Goff Rhodes and Henry Marion Rhodes, Sr. She peacefully departed this life at 97 years of age on March 5th in her home of over 60 years in Vancleave, MS.
She grew up in Moss Point walking "up-hill through the snow both ways" across Rhodes Bayou to attend Moss Point Schools where she graduated in 1941. Due to the untimely death of her father, after graduation, she began working to support her mom and four younger siblings. Throughout her life she worked for Pascagoula Moss Point Bank, Jackson County Health Department and Jackson County Schools at the STARS Planetarium. Her most treasured "job" was being a wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma.
She was introduced to the love of her life, Johnny, on a blind date in 1956 and they were married later that year. Shortly after marrying they moved to the Mt. Pleasant Community of Vancleave where they began their family. She was a stay-at-home mom, becoming deep-rooted in the community and her beloved church, Mt. Pleasant United Methodist. She moved her membership to Mt. Pleasant from Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church in 1957. Her life has revolved around her many treasured friends and her church family, many who have gone before her. She especially enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family. There was always a seat at the table in her "tent" at New Prospect United Methodist Campground during Campmeeting each October or in her home….anytime.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John Andrew "Johnny" Kite, Jr., her parents, six siblings, Carolyn Rhodes, Catherine Rhodes Shields, Henry Marion Rhodes, Jr., Hazel Rhodes Henley, William C. "Son" Rhodes and Elaine Rhodes Johnson and many other dear family members and friends.
She is survived by her children, John A. "Andy" Kite III and wife, Tammy, and Perian Kite Harrington and husband, Jerry, her grandchildren, John A. "Drew" Kite IV and wife, Beverly, Ryan Paul Kite and wife, Shannon, Victoria Corine Harrington and Gerald Glynn Harrington III, her great-grandchildren, John A. "Jak" Kite V, Philip Russell Kite, Taylor Alyssa Kite, Brenna Marie Lee and Blayne Thomas Lee. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and several great-great-great nieces and nephews.
Dottie's services will be held Sunday, March 8 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 13900 Mt. Pleasant Road, Vancleave, MS. There will be a Fellowship Lunch hosted by the ladies of the church for family and friends beginning at 12:30 in the fellowship hall. Visitation will be in the church sanctuary from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The service will begin at 3:00. Burial will be in the Ramsay-Vancleave #2 Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Vancleave.
Pall bearers will be her grandsons Glynn, Drew and Ryan, nephews Jerry Henley, Barry Johnson and Eddy Tyndall. Rev. Chuck Frost, Rev. Kris Rouse and Rev. Andy Cotten will officiate the service and burial.
The family wishes to thank Jackie Whatley for her companionate care and companionship of "Moma" and her husband, Billy, for his sacrifices so Jackie could care for "Granny".
Dottie loved God's beautiful flowers that are certainly welcome or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her beloved church, Mt. Pleasant UMC at P O Box 6026, Vancleave, MS 39565 or New Prospect United Methodist Campground at P O Box 5382, Vancleave, MS 39565.
You may sign the online register book and send condolences to the Kite family at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com
Holder-Wells Funeral Home 4007 Main St. Moss Point, Mississippi 39563 is in charge of the arrangements.