ALBERT RHODEN

Mr. Albert Rhoden, president and owner of Rhoden Memorial Home, earned his wings and entered the gates of Heaven on May 9, 2020 at the age of 71.  Albert was born on September 29, 1948 in Bessemer, Alabama to the late Ruth Rhoden Jones and Edward Sipp.  After moving to Akron in the early 60’s, Albert attended Thornton Junior High School where he was an accomplished athlete and became a proud graduate in the class  of 1967.

Albert attended the University of Akron and graduated in December of 1974 with an Associate’s Degree in Business.  He then attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated with his degree in 1981.  He received his license from the state in 1982.

Albert was the Barberton Branch NAACP President from 1988 until 1992.  He was a lifetime member of both the Barberton and Akron NAACP.  Albert was the former National President of the Dunbar-Abrams Alumni Association, where he also served as the local president.  He was the past president of the South High Alumni Association.  In 2005 Albert was inducted into the South High Hall of Fame for his achievements on the football field.  In 2009 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South High Hall of Fame.  Albert was a former Akron Parent Pee Wee football coach for the Firestone Park Rams and South.

Amongst his accolades, Albert was a member of NFDA, OFDA, Buckeye State Funeral Directors, Phi Sigma Eta Fraternity and The Funeral Directors and Embalmer Associations of Summit and Stark Counties.  He was also a lifetime member of The Pride of Rubber Town Elks Lodge #1594 and the Canton Negro Oldtimers.  He received numerous community service awards in the  Akron, Canton and surrounding communities.

For over 45 years Albert was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, which he loved dearly and most recently worshipped under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Jeffery A. Dennis.  Albert was a dedicated member of the church serving as past chairman of the trustee board, greeter, usher and  in any other capacity needed.  

Albert’s lifetime goal has always been to become an owner or partner in the funeral service industry in a metropolitan area, and to provide funeral services that were memorable and affordable to all families in the community.  He accomplished his goal in 1982 becoming a partner in Turner and Rhoden Funeral Home, and became the sole owner in 2000 to what is now known as Rhoden Memorial Home.  A second location was opened in in August of 1990 in Canton, Ohio.

Albert was an avid sports fan who cherished spending time with his family and friends.  He was especially proud of all of his grandchildren and made sure they knew it by supporting them in any way that he could.  Albert loved his community immensely and  invested into it in countless ways.  He touched the hearts of many and will be missed  deeply.

In addition to his parents Albert is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Gladys Campbell; sister, Sally Williams; brothers, Curtis J., Rayfield, Charles R. and Willie Rhoden; brother-in-law, Fred Williams.

Albert leaves to forever cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 24 years, Sondra Rhoden.  To continue his legacy he leaves his sons,  Marcus Ruiz, Tron Rhoden (Taneah), and Jibreel Scales, Sr. (Ann); devoted daughter, Tarea Rhoden (Kevin); (1)  brother, Melvin (Elanore) Rhoden of Midlothian, Virginia; (2) sisters, Marie (Clyde) Thornton, Gloris Rice-Woolfolk; (3) sisters-in-law, Dona Harris, Sherry Campbell, and Ruby Faye Rhoden; special friend, Clarence Kaiser; special son, March Ferguson; grandchildren, Octavia, Xavierr, Iyanna, Russell, Aliyah, Maryah, Jibreel Jr., Albert, Mikayla, Mykia, Marshae, McKenzie, MyAsia, Robert, Mariah, Sapri, Daja, Nehemiah and Kevin Jr.; (3) great-grandchildren, Tavion, Tamier, and Breasha; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, including  special cousins from St. Louis and Alabama, his faithful staff of Rhoden Memorial Home whom he considered his family, many other relatives and friends.

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