Mallie “Candy” Evelyn Rhody, 73, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mennowood Retirement Community with family by her side. Candy was born in Kobe, Japan, to the late Lieutenant Colonel Dean Augustus and Mallie Pruitt Rhody. Candy was born premature, which led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. However, cerebral palsy did not get in her way of enjoying life. She resided most of her life in Newport News, Virginia, where she graduated from Warwick High School. She was an active member of North Riverside Baptist Church, volunteering for VBS, the Flower Committee, WMU, and jail ministries. She also attended Community Bible Study, where members described her smile as “radiating God’s love.” Her hobbies included family genealogy, growing flowers, and working on crossword puzzles. Candy treasured the family’s pet cats, and being “Mama” to her cats was an important part of her adult life. For the past 13 years, Candy called Mennowood her “home,” where she resided in Assisted Living. While she was there, Candy made many close friendships. She served as a Mennowood Resident Ambassador, started a cookie-baking class, enjoyed Bingo, gardening, and especially those weekly shopping trips!
Candy was predeceased by her parents, Dean Augustus Rhody and Mallie Pruitt Rhody, and a sister, Sarah Louisa Rhody. She is survived by her brother, Clarence “Chip” Dean Rhody (Kathy); nephews, Matthew Rhody (Angie) and Jason Rhody (Lisa); and four great-nieces, Evie Rhody, Claire Rhody, Cate Rhody, and Charlotte Rhody. Candy treasured her nephews and great-nieces with great delight.
A celebration of Candy’s life will be held at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Virginia, on Friday, February 6, 2026. Visitation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. preceding the service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Dr. Ben Caldwell. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
The family is indebted to the staff at Mennowood for their dedication, support, and love in caring for Candy. Our special thanks to the doctor, nurses, aids, social worker, and chaplains of Riverside Hospice for their exceptional care. And to Donna O’Hara, our gratitude for the supportive, loving care you have given Candy and our family in recent years.
1 Comment
My sincerely condolences to the family of Ms. Candy. I will be miss her laughter. I definitely treasure those moments when Ms. Candy ask me to make bracelets each occasions. Im grateful I spend time to celebrate her 73th birthday at mennewood. Iloveyou and I definitely miss you.
I will keep you in my prayers Ms. Candy and your family.