Annie Pearl Rhodes (born Annie Pearl Swoopes) was born on October 24, 1929 in Sheffield, Alabama. After her mother's passing, she was raised by her stepmother, Lula Mae Swoopes.

Annie Pearl Rhodes was educated and raised in Sheffield, Alabama. She attended Sterling High School, where she was a star basketball player. After moving to East Saint Louis, Illinois, she attended State Community College and Belleville Area College.

The beautiful Annie caught the eye and attention of one, DeWitt Rhodes. He couldn't let her get away an don March 31, 1950, he made her his bride as they were joined in Holy Matrimony. The evidence of their love for each other could be seen in the Rhodes household, with the wonderful addition of 8 children. She worked hard to constantly pursue excellence in her home, family, work and ministry; but like the Proverbs 31 woman none of her activities or responsibilities distracted her from prioritizing her family. Annie was married for 71 years to her favorite pastor, teacher, and friend.

After moving to East Saint Louis, with her husband, she united with the Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. W.P. Alexander.

Annie Pearl Rhodes stood alongside her husband, Pastor DeWitt Rhodes, as he responded to follow God in an uncharted course to organize the Christ Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church on August 16, 1978, where she served as First Lady, Head of the Deaconess Board, Choir Director and Financial Secretary. She served as his faithful and devoted helpmate in the ministry at Christ Redeemed for over 43 years and freely gave of her time and energy to the work of ministry. Due to illness, she was not physically able to attend church; however she was still involved and committed to the work of the ministry and continued to serve until her passing.

First Lady Annie Pearl Rhodes was a member of The New Salem District Congress of Christian Education. She served as a former Financial Secretary an din the Culinary Department. Her involvement with the Illinois State Congress of Christian Education includes the completion of a four-year certificate from the Dean's Workshop. She was a member and past president of the Minister Wives Guild, Delta Sigma Theta Patroness Board, and The Carousel Benefit Club.

Her work experience includes 25 years as a sales clerk. She was the first black manager for The Woolworth Company in East St. Louis, Illinois and Kresege in St. Louis, Missouri. She served as an attendance officer for East Saint Louis School District 189, retiring after 22 years of service.

First Lady Annie Pearl Rhodes, a true woman of God and devoted herself faithfully and wholeheartedly to serve her Savior in each season of her life. She lived her life in full expression of the Proverbs 31 and Titus 2; woman by being a champion of God's model for womanhood. "A wife of noble character and far more than rubies." A role model for her family, imparting a kind words or some wisdom to the younger women. She was always loving, empowering, uplifting and motivating anyone she met. Her vibrant, kind, sweet, humble and loving disposition were hallmarks of her personality and will forever be missed by the thousands she touched. How great is our God to have blessed us with the one who touched our lives, shared our dreams and enriched our souls as First Lady Annie Pearl Rhodes did? God be praised for a life well lived! She is now resting until the coming of the Lord, waiting and enthusiastically anticipating the trumpet call of God when the dead in Christ shall rise first and all the saints of God will gather around that Great Throne room and join in the coronation and crowning of the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Annie did not fear death because she knew with great certainty where she was going to spend eternity. On Thursday, October 21, 2021 in her home of 49 years, with her husband and Pastor, Bishop Dr. DeWitt Rhodes and her daughter-in-law, Germania Rhodes by her side. God, the giver of all life, in his infinite wisdom, closed the curtain of life and called Annie back to himself.

Annie was preceded in death by her father, mother, and stepmother; five brothers, John, Moses, Matthew, James, and Charles; three sisters, Tillie, Gurnice, and Jacquelyn; four sons, Larry, Wallace, Gerald and Richard Rhodes; a grandson, Jamel Rhodes; and a daughter-in-law, Minister Ann Rhodes.

Annie leaves a great and lasting legacy that will continue on through her devoted family, her husband of 71 years ~ Bishop Dr. DeWitt Rhodes of Edgemont, IL; three sons, Pastor Phillip A. Rhodes of Caseyville, IL; Pastor Vincent (Sandra) Rhodes of Edmond, OK and Pastor David (Germania) Rhodes of O'Fallon, IL; one daughter, Evangelist Yola A. Rhodes of Belleville, IL; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Gail (Rev. Steve) Whitaker of Bethpage, TN, Debra Boyd of Hermitage, TN; and Marsha (John) Fuqua of Gallatin, TN. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family, Church family and friends.