Human Interest Human Interest News Family of 61-Year-Old Woman Mauled to Death By Two Dogs Says She ‘Fought Until She Couldn’t Fight No More’ "Despite her brave efforts to defend herself, she did not survive the brutal attack," a GoFundMe created by Theresa Rhodes' sister explains By Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor in Journalism. Before joining the team, she worked as an Editor at FanSided and provided work in the celebrity and lifestyle space for brands that include Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, EW, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on July 4, 2024 12:45AM EDT Close Theresa Rhodes and image of dog involved in her death. Photo: Theresa Rhodes/ Facebook; City of Bolivar TN Police Department/ Facebook A 61-year-old woman in Tennessee described as the "heart and soul" of her family is dead after being mauled to death by two dogs, her family said. On Monday, July 1, Theresa Rhodes was on her way to visit a friend in Bolivar, Tenn. when she was attacked by the "vicious" animals, her sister Shirley Callaway explains in a GoFundMe campaign organized to help raise funds for her funeral. The Bolivar Police Department responded to a report about a woman bleeding in the streets at about 1:30 a.m., reports USA Today. Theresa Rhodes. Theresa Rhodes/ Facebook 12-Year-Old Girl Missing After Being Attacked by Crocodile While Swimming in Creek: Reports According to the outlet, upon their arrival, Rhodes was found with "extensive injuries" and two dogs next to her. One of the dogs was shot by an officer in order to be able to render aid to Rhodes, and the other fled the scene. Rhodes was taken to a hospital, where she died that same day. The police department issued an advisory notice on Facebook, informing residents of the Sycamore Street and Mitchell Street area that one of the "two dangerous dogs" had been captured. "The other is described as being blue-gray in color with features similar to a pit bull. Please be hyper-vigilant while outdoors or walking around this neighborhood," the department wrote. Image of dog involved in the death of Theresa Rhodes. City of Bolivar TN Police Department/ Facebook 31-Year-Old Man Electrocuted to Death After Trying to Save Dog During Thunderstorm: 'A Sad Day' The post was later updated on Tuesday, July 2, to report that both dogs had been officially captured. Callaway told WMC-TV that she was told by police that her sister tried fighting off the dogs with an object. "My sister barely weighed 90 something pounds. She didn’t have no fight for them two dogs. They say she fought until she couldn’t fight no more," said Callaway. Rhodes played an important role in the lives of all of her loved ones. Stock image of a police car. Getty "Theresa was not only a mother to two daughters whom she tragically lost to cancer, but also a loving grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin to many," Callaway expressed in Rhodes' GoFundMe campaign. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Her infectious smile and vibrant personality brought joy to everyone around her," she added. "She was the heart and soul of our family, and her loss has left us devastated." As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $1,000 of its $11,000 goal.