Evelyn Lockette-Rhodes was born on November 11, 1949, in Franklin, Louisiana to the parents of the late Louis Lockette Sr. and Leola Jacko Lockette. She graduated from Park Avenue High school in 1968, then attended Grambling State University, home to the internationally-renowned Tiger Marching Band. In her junior year, Evelyn had her first daughter Alicia Keiwana. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, Evelyn met and married the late John Richard Rhodes Jr.
The newlyweds relocated to Houston, TX in 1980 and expanded their family with two more daughters, April Lynette and Angela Evette. A few years later, Evelyn decided to move her family to Oakland, California for better opportunities. There she obtained a certification in special education and became an elementary school teacher for kids with special needs.
Evelyn loved being a teacher and had a big impact on the students at Bancroft Elementary school, but by far her best and most rewarding job was being a mother to her three daughters, Alicia, April, and Angela.
Evelyn had a special way of making a house feel like a home. She had a gift for making every holiday memorable. She loved to buy decorations to celebrate every holiday, from ringing in the New Year to looking at the fireworks on the Fourth of July. Her favorite holiday was Christmas.
In her leisure time, Evelyn loved to laugh and listen to music. She loved attending comedy shows, watching comedy specials, and going to concerts.
Every Saturday morning, Evelyn would blast her favorite music while cleaning the house with her daughters. Evelyn always had a smile on her face and the most pleasant demeanor. If there was ever a "Sweetest Mom Award" she would have no competition.
Evelyn’s journey ended on April 5, 2021. Leaving to celebrate her life are her three children Alicia Lawson (Olu), April Rhodes (Arthur), and Angela Rhodes-Smith (Johnnie). One sister, Dorothy Lockette Prevost, and three brothers Louis Lockette Jr., Raymond Lockette, and Lionel Lockette. Evelyn had four grandchildren Jaylen Smith, Tyler Smith, Timi Lawson, and M’sahani Lawson, two godchildren Monica Lockette Lively and Stanley Haggray, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
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Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, John Richard Rhodes Jr., parents Louis and Leola Lockette Sr., and six sisters Rose Lockette Casmire, Ruby Lockette Sweat, Rita Lockette Cooper, Elizabeth Lockette Williams Joseph, Savannah Lockette Joseph Bing, and Aldonia Lockette Charles.
She will be dearly missed.
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