Emmelene Rhoden

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. -- Emmelene Wood Kerr Rhoden, 79, died June 30, 2012, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.

Born April 19, 1933, in Delaware, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Leslie Edward and Hazel Berry Wood. She was an educator who later worked implementing programs for the care of those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. She was named coordinator for Missouri's Long-Term Care, Ombudsman Program for Alzheimer's and Dementia. Following her retirement she returned to Arkansas where she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dardanelle, Dardanelle Garden Club and Dardanelle Book Club. She was also active in Silver Sneakers and Aquatics Group among other activities. A founder of the local Widowed Persons Support Group sponsored by the AARP, she was a graduate of Gideon High School in Missouri and Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau where she earned her Bachelor of Science in education. She also earned a master's degree in education at the University of Missouri.

She first married Harold D. Kerr who preceded her in death. She later married Ronald Rhoden who survives of Russellville.

Other survivors include: two sons and one daughter-in-law, Nathan L. Kerr and his partner, David Rizzo, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Dr. Philip and Sherri Kerr of St. Louis, Mo.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmie and Joye Wood of Delaware and David and Helen Wood of Dardanelle; and two grandchildren, Zachary Kerr and Adam Kerr of St. Louis.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today at the Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Dardanelle First Baptist Church with Mike Smith officiating.

A private burial will be at Graves Cemetery in Delaware.

Pallbearers include: Adam Kerr, Zachary Kerr, Mike Wood, Jeff Geurian, Tyler Geurian and Tristan Wood.

Honorary pallbearers include the Dardanelle First Baptist Church Deborah Sunday School class and members of the Dardanelle Garden and Book Clubs.

Online condolences may be made online at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.