Rhoda May Evans

Rhoda May Evans (Nee Beckford), was born on October 3, 1935 in Bensonton, St. Ann, Jamaica. She was the 6th child of Charles and Laura Beckford. Rhoda May attended elementary school in Bensonton, Greenwich Town and Seaforth. She also attended Wolmers and Ardenne High school.

Rhoda May was passionate about careers related to Food and Nutrition, so she pursued advanced studies in those areas. She received certificates in Advance Cookery from the City of Guild of London Institute, a diploma in Community Nutrition from the University of West Indies. Rhoda was awarded a scholarship to the University of Cullowhee in North Carolina where she gained her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Child Development. She continued to further her studies and obtained a Master of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies in Consumer Education from Buffalo State College.

Rhoda May's early years of work experience started in St. Thomas, Jamaica as a Government Secretary and with a National Baking Company. Later on, she became a Matron at Carron Hall Vocational School and Jamaica School of Agriculture. Afterwards, she acquired a Supervisor position at the Kingston Technical High School Cafeteria. Rhoda had the pleasure and opportunity to create and test recipes that were forwarded to companies such as Grace Kennedy. Her final work history ended with the Ministry of Agriculture as a Home Economics Officer. In this role, she was in charge of the well being of Farm Families in different parishes. She retired from the Ministry of Agriculture in 1986. Following that, Rhoda and her husband Raphael, created a business, where they completed landscaping projects for some of the hotels in Negril, Jamaica.

During Rhoda May's spiritual journey with the Lord, she became a confirmed member of St. Matthew Anglican Church and later at Meadowbrook United Church in Kingston Jamaica. As a retiree, Rhoda May and her Husband relocated to Hanover, Jamaica where she became a confirmed member of Santoy United Church. Rhoda May had a love and deep concern for young people’s well being and felt led by God to establish a Youth Ministry at Santoy United Church. She was able to successfully set up this youth ministry with the support of other church members.

Rhoda May met her husband Raphael Ambador Evans while working at Yallahs Valley Land Authority during 1956 to 1957. They were married December 12, 1959. Their union produced Odele Antoinette in 1961, Cheryl Karlene in 1962 and Cornell Andrew in 1966. Rhoda May and Raphael lived in Red Hills, St. Andrew, while raising their family, until they relocated to Green Island, Hanover, as retirees.

Rhoda May Evans was a loving, supportive, dedicated wife and mother. She has left behind 2 sisters (Joyce Beckford-Kennedy and Laura Donaldson), one brother (Ashley Beckford), three children (Odele, Cheryl and Cornell), 7 grandchildren, (Della, Micah, Michael Jnr, Carissa, Cornell Jnr, Renee and Kayla) 5 great-grandchildren (Amir, Caliyah, Alani, Aiden and Abigail). Rhoda May will be missed by many but the memories of her will always be treasured!

A visitation for Rhoda will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at All Saints Lutheran Church, 7875 W McNab Rd, Tamarac, FL 33321. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 7875 W McNab Rd, Tamarac, FL 33321. A committal service will occur Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2401 Davie Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317.