The family of Rhoda M. Stephens, 87, will receive friends today (10/7) from noon until 2 p.m. at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel. Funeral services will follow. She died on Oct. 4, surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Stephens retired from St. Mary’s Hospital. After retirement, she opened Nanna’s Grocery and Deli on the corner of Bishop and Emory roads. She was a member of Callahan Baptist Church.
Survivors include her children: Larry (Kenna) Stephens, Janice (Walker) Hodges, Rodney (Janice) Stephens and Denise Howard. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
Son Larry, a former Knox County commissioner and teacher at Powell High School, wrote on Facebook: “She saw us take our first breath and we were with her as she breathed her last. Our precious Mother set a high bar in caring for her children and family. … Our Christmases and birthdays were always special regardless of our family’s financial means. She was a godly mother, full of love and encouragement, firm in our discipline and always there for us. Our Mom gave all of her being in mothering and nurturing her family. … She will forever be in our hearts!”