With a vision born from a deep yearning for connection, the late Lou Eva Washington embarked on a heartfelt mission. Observing a cherished tradition of togetherness within her maternal lineage, she recognized a void in the paternal side of her family. Driven by this realization, Lou Eva, alongside her devoted sisters Josie Ford, Gertrude Williams, Rose Singleton, Carrie Washington and cousin Annie Mae Kinsey, undertook the formidable task of piecing together years of Rhodes family history. Armed with nothing more than yellow legal pads and the unwavering determination to bridge distances through countless long-distance calls, they meticulously wove together the threads of their shared past. Their tireless efforts culminated in the inaugural Rhodes Family Reunion, a momentous occasion held during the third weekend of July in 1995 in the welcoming town of Walterboro, South Carolina. From this inspired beginning, a cherished tradition blossomed, with the family gathering as one every two years, their bonds strengthening with each reunion held in various corners of the nation.