LaGonda Hammonds Rhodes
December 4, 1917 ~ March 20, 2006
Resided in:
Arden, NC
LaGonda Hammonds Rhodes, 88, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away after an extended illness Monday, March 20th.
Living in Buncombe County most of her life, she resided in the Raleigh area for the last three years. She was the daughter of the late Simuel Henry Hammonds and Mary Reatha Jackson Hammonds and was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, William A. Rhodes, Jr.
Mrs. Rhodes was a creative and altruistic person who touched many lives with her caring and nurturing spirit. She is survived by a grateful and loving family. Son, William A. Rhodes, III and his wife Dorothy of Arden; daughters, Sandra Rhodes Stephens and husband Jim of Raleigh; Evelyn Rhodes Arthur and husband Cecil of Arden. Also surviving are sisters, Maude Sanders of Louisville, Kentucky and Mary Katherine Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by the Revs. Roger Rearden and Coy Jeans. Interment will follow in Roberts Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home on Long Shoals Road.
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Aunt Lagonda was a woman with a wonderful sense of style, great strength, and sympathy for others. Our wedding is a favorite memory. She agreed to make my wedding dress, but was appalled at the choice of a simple linen coat dress. No, she said, she would make a proper long, formal gown, and, furthermore, a bridesmaid dress from Evelyn’s wedding would be perfect for Jane to wear as maid of honor. She also organized Aunt Maude, Uncle Lee and others to cut fresh magnolias and greens from the nearby cemetery to decorate the church. Needless to say, the wedding was well beyond our expectations. We also admired her strength during times of illness and great loss and are grateful for her sympathy in caring for others when needed. We hope the family finds comfort in like memories in the coming days.
I have fond memories of my dear Aunt Lagonda — a kind, caring soul with a gentle spirit. My family and I will be thinking of everyone in Lagonda’s family, and sending our thoughts and prayers your way. Much love, Terry
Dear Sandra,Evelyn and Billy,Jr.,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.I’ll always remember the many good times we had at your home ‘at the top of the hill!’ Your mother and dad were very special people!! Take care,
Robin,Bob and Mary Elizabeth Dailey
Sandra, Bill and Evelyn, My prayers are with you at this time, I have wonderful memories of your mother and family that we spent at church, and all the good times that I had with Evelyn in school and on week-ends.
Udell
Dear Evelyn, Sandra, and Bill, Jr.,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have the best memories of her and ‘Uncle Billy’ when they would come to Tennessee to visit. We will all miss her and I know you will be warmed by the many fond memories you have of her. I will pray for strength and peace for you and your family in the days ahead. Thinking of you. With love, Mona, Ed, and Daryl
Sandra, Bill and Evelyn and family members.
Aunt Lagonda was a true Lady in every respect. I so enjoyed the times I visited with your family. I have such fond memories of the good times we had and the graciousness Aunt Lagonda always presented to everyone. I have missed seeing her over the past years and will miss her even more now. I know she is in heaven with the Lord to watch over her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Since I lost my Mother 3 years ago, I know it leaves a void.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. Christian love,
Sandra and Bill may God’s Peace be with you on this sad day and always.