Mrs. Brenda Gail Rice Rhoden, beloved wife of Gordon L. Rhoden, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Hampton Regional Medical Center under hospice care at the age of 77. For days she had been surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was at peace with their presence as her life came to an end and was holding the hand of her youngest child as she peacefully slipped away.
Brenda was born in Laurens, SC October 2, 1947, the only daughter of the late Viola Bell Williams Rice and the late Ishmael Buel Rice. She spent her childhood in Newberry, and at a very early age learned the importance of hard work and family. She helped her mother in the household and was cooking meals for her brothers as a young girl. Her skills in the kitchen remained with her throughout her life, and she was known for her stovetop fried chicken, her homemade buttermilk biscuits, and the endless pieces of cinnamon toast lovingly prepared for her children for breakfast before school.
Brenda married the love of her life in 1968. She and Gordon loved each other dearly, and she was a constant presence by his side throughout their lives together. They moved from Columbia to Hampton as a young couple, and life as the wife of a funeral director…and county coroner…was always unpredictable, and often very trying. She was always supportive, and made sure their children were cared for and loved…while also working as a teaching assistant at Varnville Elementary, and later as a teller at Hampton County Bank.
Gordon and Brenda eventually became owners of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home. She worked along his side as the secretary and business manager for many years until declining health led to her retirement. She was also instrumental in the purchase of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home in Walterboro in 2002.
Brenda was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Hampton for over thirty years and served as president several times. She was a voracious reader and was a member of The Other Book Club. She possessed a green thumb, loved growing plants, and was a member of The Magnolia Garden Club. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hampton, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, a GA leader, and was involved in Mission Friends. She always made sure her children were active in church life though their childhood and teenage years.
Brenda suffered through many years of declining health and multiple surgeries. Throughout these times, she always maintained a positive outlook, and her smile would always emerge, even in the most painful and darkest of hours. She was an inspiration of courage and perseverance to her family and friends, and they all are comforted by the realization and confidence that she is now free of pain, is resting in the arms of her savior, and has reunited with all those she loved who passed before her.
In addition to her devoted husband of 56 years, she is survived by her children Lee Rhoden (Amy), Lori Rhoden Bowen (Patrick), and Ryan Rhoden Brunson (Rabi). She dearly loved her grandchildren: Gretchen Rhoden (Noah), Anna Cress Rhoden Stephens (Trevor), Olivia Brunson Mullinax (Hasten), Emma Clare Brunson, Grant Ewing, Emmie Rhoden, Sims Brunson, Harrison Cook, and Mary Kent Bowen. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren she cherished, Mary Ellis and Eliza Stephens, and Briggs Mullinax. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Helen Rhoden. There is a host of nieces and nephews. Brenda loved her brothers and was preceded in death by all four of them: Harold W. Rice, Charles S. Rice, Leon S. Rice, and Buel R. Rice.
During her health battles, and eventual passing, Brenda was blessed to be cared for by Antoinette Daniels, a woman that she loved, and who loved her in return. It was the attention from Antoinette that made her days more bearable, and the family appreciates all that she did for her. The family also wishes to express their appreciation to the staffs of both funeral homes for always taking her to appointments and helping her with her needs…whatever they may have been.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, March 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Hampton, with burial following in the Hampton Cemetery.
The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either The First Baptist Church of Hampton, or to the American Cancer Society.
