Obituary of Thelma Jean Rhodes
Thelma Jean Rhodes
September 7, 1949 – May 9, 2025
It is with deep love and fond remembrance that we announce the passing of Thelma Jean Rhodes, a beloved member of the Larchmont community, who departed this life on May 9, 2025, at the age of seventy-five after a valiant battle with cancer.
Thelma was fiercely independent and full of vitality throughout her life. She was deeply committed to fitness, health, her faith and living life to its fullest. She was a devout member of the Shiloh Baptist Church in New Rochelle. Her life reflected her deep faith, which guided her actions, sustained her in difficult times, and inspired all who knew her to live with kindness, grace, and compassion. She never missed a walk, yoga class, or a trip to the gym. Thelma loved a great meal, a glass of wine and a good time with friends. Most importantly, she loved any occasion that brought people together in joy and laughter. She was also beloved by her children and grandchildren for her cooking, especially her fried chicken, baked ziti, potato salad and sweet potato pie. Over the last several years, she especially looked forward to summer trips to Tennessee and Virginia, where she spent cherished time visiting family, reconnecting with her roots, and creating new memories year after year.
A loving and proud mother to Timothy Catron and David Corbett, who were the center of her world and a constant source of happiness. There was not a picture of her sons or their families that she did not share with the world. She parented with patience, guided with humble wisdom, and taught her children by example—modeling resilience, compassion, and integrity. Despite the physical distance between Thelma and her children at times, her presence was always a constant reminder that they were never alone, even in this time of loss.
Thelma dedicated over thirty joyful years to the students and families of Chatsworth Avenue School, where she worked with devotion and pride. Known for her warm presence and unwavering care, she not only served as a familiar face and educator in the building but also as a dependable support for children and families alike. Her relationships with students and families transcended their time in the school, forging lasting relationships with alumni and families that persisted to present day. After retiring from Chatsworth, Thelma remained a fixture in the Larchmont community as a crossing guard for the French American School. In this role she not only ensured the safety of children but made sure their day began with a contagious smile. Summers brought a different kind of joy, as she played an integral role at Camp Rockingstone in Mamaroneck. During her tenure at the camp she created playful and magical memories for countless children and families over the years. Every year Thelma would claim she was going to retire but her draw to the program, children and families kept her coming back summer after summer.
She had a gift for surrounding herself with people who saw and appreciated her goodness, and in return, they were met with her immense gratitude, kindness, and unforgettable smile. Her remarkable friends shared their love of Thelma by supporting her and her sons with countless visits, phone calls, care packages and check-ins during her battle with cancer.
Thelma was predeceased by parents Leverne and Mary B. Rhodes, sisters Carolyn Rhodes, Lillian Harvey, Jacqueline Watson, and brother Albert Rhodes. She is survived by sons Timothy Catron, wife Michelle of Richmond Virginia and David Corbett, wife Kathrine of Hudson, Massachusetts, sisters Verlette Williams and Patrina Bailey of Staton Tennessee, Julia (Kenny) Benette of Chesterfield Virginia, Donna (Jeffery) Leigh and Tijuanna Taylor of Brownsville Tennessee, Leisa (Lance) Mckinnie of Smyrna Tennessee, Evelyn Liddell, Tabitha, and Teresa Anderson of all Memphis Tennessee, brothers David Rhodes of Union Spring Alabama, Melvin (Sally) Rhodes of Whiteville Tennessee and Michael (Jackie) Rhodes of Brownsville Tennessee, grandsons Rymel Catron, Deion Catron and Jaxon Corbett, great granddaughter Saige Catron, countless nieces, nephews and loved ones, as well as a wide circle of dear friends who became family over the years.
An open-house celebration of life will be held for family and friends on Wednesday May 28, 2025 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at Pinstripes in Norwalk, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Chatsworth Ave PTA to help support and grow health and wellness programs at Thelma’s beloved school. Donations can be sent via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chatsworthpta.
Thelma’s legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on in every life she touched. She built a life of meaning not only through what she did but through the way she made others feel seen, valued, and cherished. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.