Ramona Rhodes

Ramona Denise Rhodes transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital. “Mona” as she liked to be called, was born December 30, 1950, in New Haven, Connecticut. She was the middle daughter, born to her parents, Helena Richardson and Ora Richardson. Ramona graduated from West Haven High School and matriculated to South Central Community College, now known as Gateway Community College. She began working at U.S. Motors in Milford, Connecticut after her graduation and worked there until the business closed. She then worked at Seton Name Plate in Branford, Connecticut until her retirement. As a Customer Service Rep, Ramona greeted each customer with her soothing voice and beautiful smile and of course, she dressed each day to “Da Max.” Ramona met the love of her life, Johnny Lee Rhodes in 1976, where they fell in love and later married at Bethel A.M.E. Church on May 31, 1980. Together they blended their family. Out of this union was daughter Veronica Kara Rhodes together. They were happily married for 39 years and resided in West Haven. Ramona’s Aunt Meta made sure she attended Bethel A.M.E. church as a child and she later joined the church in 1985 under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. J. Stanley Justice. For many years, Ramona was a member of the Gospelite Choir and loved singing soprano. She served a term as President. Additionally, she gave her time as a Class Leader. Mona was also devoted to attending Women’s noon day prayer and Bible study. Ramona was a food connoisseur well known for her specialty dishes, that she often made for her friends and family. Her signature dishes were sweet potato pie, pound cake, stuffing, and potato salad. She found comfort in cooking for her friends, church family and her neighbors. Ramona also enjoyed home décor where she often visited every T.J Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods stores throughout CT on her free time. Mona enjoyed vibrant colors of red and orange. Left to cherish and honor her memories are her daughters, Veronica Rhodes of Meriden, and Angela Rhodes of West Haven, sons, Michael Rhodes of Hamden, and Ray Rhodes (Denise) of Florence, SC; two sisters, Patricia Hall and Roxanna Bartlett; sister-in-law Ann Rhodes of Clarksville, TN and Edith Rhodes of Durham, NC Brother in Law Carnell Rhodes Jr of Darlington, SC; Five grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and friends She was predeceased by her loving husband, Johnny; her parents Helena and Ora Richardson; her son Johnny Rhodes Jr; nephew Phillip Hall, brother-in-law James Rhodes “Ramona will be truly Missed”

Ramona Rhodes

December 30, 1950 - July 9, 2024