David E. Rhodes Sr.

Pastor David Earl Rhodes Sr. was born December 22nd, 1963, to Earl and Theresa Rhodes in New Orleans, La. He grew up in Thibodaux, where he attended Thibodaux High School, before attending Loyola University of New Orleans and later Nicholls State University for Vocal Performance. He received his Doctoral Degree in Theology from Bethesda Biblical Institute of New Orleans in December of 2015.

David, or “Dave” as he was affectionately called by his wife, close friends and family, grew up in the church, being baptized as a teenager, and stayed in ministry in several capacities throughout his life. He served as a music director, youth Pastor, assistant Pastor and Pastor for several ministries, including Harvest Cathedral, Harvest Fields and Beautiful Zion Baptist Church, all of Houma, until founding his own. On the first Sunday of August, 2007, Pastor Rhodes founded New Vision Christian Community Church, which serviced the Raceland and surrounding areas for 16 years. Through his ministry, Pastor Rhodes was able to create and partner with many outreach programs, such as First Harvest Food Bank, “Recovery,” and Toys for Tots, etc., that catered to the youth/young adult, the unhoused, the sick, the incarcerated, and many others in need. He continued with his ministry and community service for the duration of his life.

David was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, where he earned the line name “Yago,” for his determination, resilience, and versatility. When not in his pastoral attire, you could often find him sporting his “letters,” or some combination of royal blue and white, which are his fraternity’s signature colors, and David’s favorites… GO COWBOYS! David was also a member of “Raymond Miles and the Rams,” where he spent years traveling the world and blessing millions of people with his voice. His favorite songs to sing were “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord,” and “Precious Lord.” Aside from his great love of music, David was a fiercely competitive athlete. In his youth, he played baseball, football and basketball for Thibodaux High School. Then, as an adult, he became an avid golfer and bowler. He was a member of the Bowling League of Houma. Most recently, David became a member of Rhodes& Rhodes Productions, which was founded by his two children, David “DJ” Rhodes Jr. and Lauren Rhodes-Charles. He played the role of “Pa” in their first mainstage Musical, The Color Purple, in 2019, and sang in the ensemble for many others. When he could no longer perform, he could be found at every rehearsal and every show sitting in “his chair,” beaming with pride at the legacy he created.

On May 30, 2024, David transitioned, peacefully, directly from the loving arms of his wife and best friend of 30+ years, Shannon Rhodes, and “Baby Girl,” Lauren Rhodes-Charles, to the arms of the angels. He spent his final days being surrounded by family, friends, music, singing, prayer, and the well wishes of hundreds of people who sent their love and fond memories to be shared in his final hours, in the home that he and Shannon built, which was his final request.

Pastor David E. Rhodes Sr. is survived by his mother: Theresa Rhodes, his wife: Shannon Swain Rhodes, his mother and father-in-law: Barbara and Carl Swain, sister-in-law: Schantel Swain, brother-in-law: Trey Phipps, his brothers: Brian Rhodes and Adrian Rhodes (Wendy Neikirk), his sisters: Valencia Rhodes-Pierre, Tremaine Rhodes-Patterson (JJ Patterson), and Andrea Rhodes, his sons: David Rhodes Jr,(Renee' Simien), Daniel Johnson, and Kendel Burkes, his daughters: Lauren Rhodes-Charles, Rachelle Robertson, and Crystal Robertson, his son in law: Thomas Charles, his “adoptive” daughter and son: Shedreanna Johnson and Malcolm Bell, his goddaughters: Tremaine Rhodes-Patterson, Candace Thomas, Javonne Jones, Philishia Joseph, and Tatyana Robinson, and godson: Patrick Johnson Jr, his nieces: Brittany Rhodes, Cherise Thomas, Candace Thomas and Camille Thomas, nephews: Micah Patterson, Samuel Rhodes, Khristian Perro, Elias Rhodes, Caleb Patterson and Ezrah Patterson, great nephew: Cameren Johnson, as well as several loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, fraternity brothers, friends, and “grand-pups,” Jorgi, Remi, and Rocky.

He was preceded in death by his father: Earl J. Rhodes, his grandparents: Madison and Maggie Rhodes and Izetta Vanburan, his first “grand-pup,” Shiloh Grace, his best friend: TJ, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Services for Pastor David E. Rhodes Sr. will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, 2:00 pm, at Beacon Light of Houma, with a repast directly to follow at The Wellness Center of Thibodaux, 5th floor. In addition to flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The family is immensely grateful for the outpour of support from the family, community, and all those who knew and loved Pastor Rhodes.