Jay D spent his younger years being loved and learning how to live a good Christian life. He moved; with his family to Memphis, Tennessee; in 1951, where he lived most of his teenage years in the role of “Big Brother” to his younger siblings. He attended Douglas High School, located in Memphis, Tennessee; where he earned his diploma in 1961.
After graduating from high school, Jay D moved to Chicago, Illinois where he met Erma Washington and together blessed the world with their son: Juan Washington. Soon thereafter, he met and married Joyce Blackwell. The union of Jay D and Joyce Rhodes blessed the world with five children: Kim, the twins - Theodore and Therona, Steven, and their treasured baby girl - Keisha. He provided for his family by working as a forklift driver for the Spiegel Warehouse, for many years. During this time, Jay D and Joyce agreed to go their separate ways. After which he met and married Isabella Brown and blessed the world with two children: Techika Rhodes and Jermaine Rhodes. Jay D then relocated his family to Ft. Smith, Arkansas. A few years later; Jay D and Isabella parted ways to live abundant lives.
Soon after, Jay D moved to Charlotte, North Carolina; for a short period of time and then moved back to Ft. Smith, Arkansas; where he was blessed to have all his daughters move near him. He worked as a forklift driver, for the Tyson Chicken Company, until he retired.
Jay D was a very industrious man who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; like watching a good baseball game, snacking on some popcorn, learning all the road routes of the United States of America or listening to, and singing, gospel music. Jay D was a very independent and strong-willed man who believed that there was goodness in everyone’s heart. His love for God and his Savior, Jesus Christ, was unparalleled.
Jay D ended his life’s journey here, on Earth, and he begins his life’s journey, in Heaven, where he will join his Daughter - Therona Romine, Grandson - James Washington, Father - Joe Rhodes, Mother - Dessie Rhodes, Brothers - Odell Rhodes and James Rhodes, Sisters - Annie Rhodes and Dessie Sims in the presence of God, on July 24, 2019.
He leaves to cherish his memory: His loving sons - Juan Washington, Theodore Rhodes, Steven Rhodes and Jermaine Rhodes; His loving daughters - Kim Rhodes, Keisha Rhodes and Techika Rhodes; His loving grandsons - DeShawn Rhodes and Kevin Romine; His loving granddaughters - Miracle Washington, Juanita Washington, Blair Washington, Brittany Rhodes, Alexandrea Montgomery, Aliya Rhodes, Ayanna Rhodes, Jordan Rhodes, Shamekia Rhodes, Teronza Smith, Alyria Johnson, Kanisha Johnson; His great grandsons - Kayleb Rhodes, Keyshawn Rhodes, Keyahree Rhodes, Keyeen Rhodes, Brian Stevens, Aaden Romine; His great granddaughters - Kaylin Rhodes, Kaylani Rhodes, Keyarah Rhodes, Ty’Lynn Springwater, Essence Rhodes, Tiana Romine; Three brothers - Felacie “Jake” Rhodes, Carl Rhodes, and Robert Rhodes; Two sisters – Beverly Davis and Carol Long; Many nieces and nephews including Anthony Rhodes, DeJuanda “Wanda” Mathes, Andrea Clinton and Keeta Sithraves; along with numerous other family members and loving friends.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the House of Prayer for All People in Chicago, IL. Cremation was under the direction of Fentress Mortuary in Ft. Smith, AR.
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