Rhonda DeGraffenreid
February 16, 1961 -August 25, 2020
Rhonda Alene DeGraffenreid, 59, of Anderson departed this life on August 25, 2020 after an extended illness. Born February 16, 1961, to Bert and Elizabeth DeGraffenreid. She was the eleventh of eleven children to this union. She was a lifelong resident of Anderson and a graduate of Madison Heights High School in 1979. She also attended Ball State University.
At an early age, Rhonda professed hope in Christ. She was a member of Sherman Street Church of God where she was in multiple singing groups including Reflections of Christ. She was well-known for taking over the reigns from her brother Doug in the transportation ministry with the college students of Anderson University at the church. She had traveled with the AU group Creative Expression of Hope. She was previously employed as a phlebotomist at St. Johns Hospital and as a guard at the Indiana Correctional Facilities. She was also known for her one of a kind laugh. She was full of fun and known by her friends as a wonderful helping spirit. She possessed a quietness and beauty that shone in her smile.
Rhonda is survived by her loving children; Sydney Renee Cooley and Samuel Bert DeGraffenreid, Anderson; seven sisters, Natalie DeGraffenreid, Akron, OH; Melita Gholston, and Charlotte McGhee of Anderson; Kathy Martin, Melanie DeGraffenreid and Teresa Robinson of Lafayette, IN; and Kelly Organ of Atlanta, GA; and a brother Paul DeGraffenreid of Mishawaka, IN, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Rhonda was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Sherry DeGraffenreid and Belinda Harden, a brother Doug DeGraffenreid, a step-sister Dorothy Marie Herron of Houston, and nephews Michael Gholston and Orlando Martin.
Honorary Pallbearers—Roderic Herring, Gary McGhee Jr., Kelly Martin, Christopher DeGraffenreid, Cedric Harden, Marquis Herring
