Orene Earvin Rhodes

Orene Earvin Rhodes, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born December 11, 1944, in Mississippi, she was the beloved daughter of Willie Earvin and Pecola Cummings Earvin Howell and the cherished sister among twenty-one siblings. Orene was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend whose light touched everyone she met.

Orene worked tirelessly for over 15 years at North Side Hospital until her retirement. She then embraced her most treasured role as a grandmother with unmatched love and dedication. She was a proud mother of four: she will be joining her son, Kenneth Earvin, in eternal paradise, and leaves behind her children Sabrina Brandon, Nicole Rhodes (Larry Smith II), and Keith Rhodes (Lori Heydle).

Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren: Edward Devon Brandon, Najiyah McLaughlin (Kenyon McLaughlin), Antoine Burgess, Jae’Shaun Perel, Larry Smith III, Carlee Rhodes, and Keith Rhodes Jr. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Aniyah Ward, Adisyn Burgess, Amiyah Burgess, Ziyah McLaughlin, and Keenan McLaughlin, along with her great-great-granddaughter, Niana Walker. She will also be dearly missed by everyone who lovingly called her “grandma” or “Ma,” including her god-grandchildren, foster grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her many extended family members.

In her retirement years, Orene enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, and sharing in the laughter and milestones of her family. In recent years, she devoted herself to helping care for her great-grandchildren Ziyah and Keenan, affectionately saying they “kept her young.”

Orene was a ray of light in the darkness, offering comfort, kindness, and a remedy for nearly anything. Her presence brought warmth and reassurance to all who knew her, and her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, siblings, and all the children whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation will Friday, August 22, 2025 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon.

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