Emma Rhodes
Emma J Rhodes, affectionally called Aunt Emmie and Nana, was born on February 10th, 1925. in Louisa County, Virginia to the late Fred and Mable (Brown) Brice and stepfather Green Freeman “Pop”. On June 17th, 2021, she entered into eternal rest after a long and courageous battle with illness.
During Emma’s early childhood, the family migrated to Pittsburgh, PA where they initially settled in the Garfield area of the Pittsburgh. Emma attended Garfield Elementary School and was a proud graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1944. Emma was employed by the City of Pittsburgh for 35 years where she started out as a Traffic Court Clerk and worked her way up to retire as a Supervisor of the City Information Systems. At which time she was instrumental in helping to develop the first automated payroll system, through IBM, for the City of Pittsburgh.
After retiring she worked at Sears in Monroeville, PA. However, her greatest joy was her volunteer work at the Children’s Institute. She loved working there and befriended many of the staff members and patients. As much as Emma loved the staff and the work they were doing, the staff loved her more. She was affectionally knows as “grama” and was highly respected by all. Emmie also volunteered with the Foster Grandparents Program. During her life, Emma received numerous awards from Government leaders and volunteer organizations.
Everyone knew her to be a woman of faith growing up in the Sixth Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she sang with the Senior Choir and engaged in many church activities. Emma also taught Sunday School at Bethesda Presbyterian Church. She was a stalwart member and past matron of Cyrene Chapter #9. Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.)
Emma was pre-deceased by her parents, four brothers; Joseph, Albert, Lewis and William; and a sister; Sylvia (Freeman/Smith) Wright. She was also pre-deceased by Theodore B. Allen and Richard C. Rhodes, Sr. Emma leaves to cherish in her Book of Life her two loving and devoted sons; Louie F. Allen (Peggie) and Richard C. “Ricky” Rhodes, Jr. who were the loves of her life.; grandsons Christopher B. Allen, Jonathan F. Allen and Oliver R. Rhodes (Whitley); great-grandchildren Christopher B. Allen, Jr., Sydney N. Allen, Olivia A. Rhodes, Brandon L. Allen, Wyatt A. Rhodes and Sophia J. Allen. She also leaves to mourn her passing a special longtime friend, Mary Lois Session, Raymond and Cathy Ellison, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. A special thanks to the staff at St. Vincentian de Marillac for the excellent care they provided. Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday, June 23rd between 11:00am and 1:00pm at Sixth Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 6556 Shetland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Service will follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Emma’s name to The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, 1405 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 www.amazingkids.org/giving
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