On the morning of July 21, 2023, Debra E. Rhodes fell asleep in death at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, Virginia after a brief illness. Debra was born on September 18, 1956 to Ashton and Susie Edmonds in Blackstone, Virginia. Through diligent study, she graduated from Nottoway High School, one year in advance.
On May 31, 1975, she married her love, Wayne A. Rhodes. They went on to raise three children together. Debra worked for area sewing factories in her early career, was a stay-at-home wife and mother for many years while raising her children, and later worked for two school districts in the capacities of driver and aid for Special Needs children.
Debra was dedicated and baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 15, 1972. She remained active in her faith until her death.
Debra will be remembered for her baking, sewing, and singing. She loved baking cakes and rolls and always ensured there was more than enough to share. She was known for being glamorously dressed in her self-made clothing. Ones would often see her with Wayne in tow, in his matching suit and tie.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ashton S. Edmonds and her mother, Susie M. Edmonds
Debra leaves to cherish her memory, her spouse, Wayne Rhodes of Blackstone, VA; three children: Sharri Rhodes of Petersburg, VA, Shaun Rhodes of Summerville, SC and his children Tyrone, Kyshaun, Camille, and Ty’Liah Rhodes, Brandon Rhodes (Malika) of Chester, VA and their child, Tyrell Rhodes; 3 brothers: Ashley Edmonds (Brenda) of Charlotte, NC, Samuel Edmonds (Carmen) of Jessup, MD, Jeffrey Edmonds (Julie) of Glen Allen, VA; 2 sisters: Joyce Edmonds and Diane Edmonds of Blackstone, VA, and host of nieces and nephews as well as friends that became her family.
Memorial Service Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 2:00PM at Kingdom Hall.
Zoom information:
Meeting ID: 950 8363 7150
Password: 429160
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