Panny Rhodes

Born in Durham, North Carolina to the former Elizabeth Anne Jackson of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and her Durham native husband Nathaniel Alexander Gregory, Gregory (nicknamed "Panny" since her childhood) attended Durham Academy and Durham High School before her parents moved the family to Richmond, Virginia in 1958. There, she attended St. Catherine's school, graduating in 1960 (and was named a distinguished alumna in 2015). Gregory then returned to North Carolina to attend Duke University, graduating in 1963 as an Angier B. Duke Scholar with an A.B. degree in mathematics. In 1965 she married James T. Rhodes, who became Chairman of Virginia Power Company as discussed below. During their nearly four decade marriage, they raised a son and daughter, each named after a parent. ==Career==

After graduating from Duke, Rhodes worked for Martin Marietta and other defense industry firms in Baltimore, Maryland until her marriage to James T. Rhodes Jr. They lived in Lafayette, Indiana while he completed his degree at Purdue University. Meanwhile, in addition to raising their children, Rhodes became a civic activist in Richmond, working on behalf of Virginia Commonwealth University, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, the Girl Scouts, YMCA, American Red Cross and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, among other organizations. and Ed Eck, and was re-elected four times (after later redistricting the district now encompasses areas to the east in Tidewater Virginia). Rhodes became known for advocacy of women's issues, health care and education. The Virginia Interfaith Council named Rhodes legislator of the year in 1998, and in 1999 the Virginia PTA named her Child Advocate of the year, which enabled her to win the 1999 Republican primary despite Republican governor Jim Gilmore, Attorney General Mark Earley and Congressman Tom Bliley all endorsing her opponent. However, redistricting by fellow Republicans following the 2000 census led Rhodes to announce her retirement, and conservative Brad Marrs succeeded to the seat for two terms, despite Rhodes' endorsement of Independent John A. Conrad. Following her legislative service, Rhodes served on the boards of visitors for Virginia Commonwealth University (including as rector 2009–2011) and the Library of Virginia. ==Death and legacy==

In her final years, Rhodes lived at the Westminster Canterbury facility. She died on October 5, 2023, after suffering multiple strokes. She was survived by her husband, son, daughter and five grandchildren. ==References==