Obituary
Marjorie “Margie” Rhoads made her graceful exit to be with the Lord on the morning of December 1st, 2023, just shy of a week after celebrating her 95th birthday. It was just like her to go out with a party! She was cherished by all who knew her and never had an unkind word to say.
Born Marjorie Delour Higgins in St. Louis, she was raised in Edwardsville, IL before moving to her grandparents’ farm in Missouri at the age of 7. Like many little girls, she fell in love with horses. After attending boarding school, she moved with her mother to Daytona Beach. She recalled fun memories enjoying summers on the beach with friends.
In her 20’s, Margie set out for the bright lights of New York City. She lived first with her aunt and esteemed uncle, Ralph Westbrook, whom she was proud to tell people had been a Navy Admiral during World War II. During this time she held office in various social clubs, taught dance, and enjoyed traveling abroad. She worked as an event planner at the Plaza Hotel and as an administrative assistant at 30 Rock. She moved to the suburbs and raised two darling daughters whom she cherished. But she also loved being a career gal and would delight in telling stories about being one of few women commuting on the train into the city. She was a true New Yorker!
After many years she returned to the Daytona Beach area and worked briefly in the family insurance business before retiring to care for her beloved mother Louise and uncle Carroll. She became a faithful member of First Baptist Daytona Beach, including attending Sunday School regularly and singing with the choir, once even at the top of the Living Christmas Tree, a longstanding tradition of the church under Pastor Bobby Welch. Her beautiful soprano voice also took her other places. She was a longtime member of the Daytona Beach Choral Society, serving as secretary recording perfect minutes on an old typewriter! She sang Silent Night in the original German at the annual Adventsingen program performed locally and enjoyed karaoke. She also enjoyed volunteering as an usher at Peabody Auditorium.
She was predeceased by her father and mother, John and Louise Higgins, and daughters Karen and Diane Rhoads. She is survived and remembered fondly by friends, especially Marcia Polenz and “adopted” daughter Kristin Mixell, who also wish to thank the staff of both VITAS Hospice and Good Sam (now Blue Palms) for their kind care. Memorial donations may be made to the Daytona Beach Choral Society or First Baptist Daytona Beach. A small remembrance service will be held at Blue Palms Health and Rehab of Daytona (325 S. Segrave) on Tuesday, December 19th. Visitation at 1pm with a formal service at 1:30 will be followed by Christmas carols and refreshments.
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