Myrtle Rhoden

Dr. Myrtle Rhoden passed away on December 26, 2019. She was the youngest of seven children and was originally from Birmingham Alabama where her father was a prominent businessman in the railroad industry. She was a part of her families move, along with so many others, to the north as a part of the second wave of the Great Migration. Her brother, noted sculptor John Rhoden, moved to New York, her sisters and brothers Mamie and Victor, moved to Detroit. She, along with her older sister Lillie and brother, acclaimed photographer Herman (Tony), moved to Chicago. All preceded her in death.

Dr. Rhoden first attended Wilberforce University for undergraduate studies. Then Chicago Teachers College, Loyola University (MA, Counseling) and completed her studies at Boston University (PhD Curriculum and Design). She held many jobs in education including; teacher, counselor, principal and director of student teaching at National College of Education, now National Lewis University.

In addition to her work as an educator, she loved tutoring children in math, and was a devoted religious woman who spent countless hours not only studying the Word herself, but mentoring and tutoring dozens of young people about the humanity of Christ. She is survived by her son Stuart, Grandchildren John (8) and Maya (2), God Daughter Luschanda Henderson and her husband Bryan, sister-in-law Dolly Rhoden, nieces Denise Rhone, and Nailia Rhoden and nephews Ken and Mikal Rhoden. In addition, she is survived by countless young people and church members who affectionately call her “Mother Rhoden.”

There will be a memorial service in Chicago, IL in the summer of 2020.