Charles Rhodes 1937-2026
CAMPBELL — Deacon Charles Rhodes, 88, transitioned from his earthly labor to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Deacon Rhodes was born July 24, 1937, in Greenville, Georgia, a son of Paul and Lucinda Shavers Rhodes.
He attended The Rayen School and had been employed with General Motors Lordstown as jobs bank coordinator, retiring in 1993 after 21 years of service.
Deacon Rhodes was an original member of Rising Star Baptist Church, where he served as former chairman of the deacon board, Sunday school and Bible school teacher, choir member and prison ministry.
He was a former member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon, trustee, choir and male chorus member. He also served as trustee with the Southern Baptist Association.
Deacon Rhodes was active in the community and was a member of the NAACP and Youngstown-Warren Urban League.
He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, his wife, the former Elsie Livas, whom he married May 16, 1957; his son, Michael Maurice Rhodes of Campbell; six grandchildren, Brandon, Micaela, Michael Jr., Amari, Asiah and Aaliyah; four great-grandchildren, Arianna, Makiyah, Mylah and Kai; and a host of nieces, including Marian Wilson, Joette Logan, Maureen Wilson and Inger Wilson; a host of nephews, including Julius Livas, Terrance, Donald and Damien Rhodes, David and Keith Drummond, and Mark and Phillip Harris, all who were like children to him; special friend and next door neighbor, John Kaglic; dear friend, Robert Price; and other family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Paul Rhodes Jr., L. D. Rhodes, James Rhodes, Anna Bertha Herring, Mary Lois Wilson and Hildred J. Clinkscale; a niece, Anita Fran Wilson; uncle and aunts, L. D. and Estelle Shavers, and Mattie Shavers; and lifelong friends who joined the military together, James “Jackie” Martin and George “Cuddy” Davis. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2943 Wardle Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.
A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m.
Ministry of comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
(special notice)