Mary Charlene Rhodes' Obituary
Mary Charlene Rhodes, born September 22, 1960, was a native of Grand Coteau, LA, however
resided in Hayward, CA since 1988. Charlene began her academic career at Sacred Heart Academy in
Grand Coteau, LA where she achieved two State Championships in both volleyball and basketball.
She continued her academia and passion for volleyball on a full ride sports scholarship to University
of Louisiana, Lafayette. Upon her arrival to California, she attended San Francisco State University
however, she completed her studies at Cal State University, East Bay obtaining a degree in Business
Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Her career began at World Savings in Oakland, CA
where she met her husband, Jerome Rhodes. Shortly thereafter, she and Jerome established Realtek
Innovation Systems in 1989. For thirteen years she was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Operation Officer of Realtek, staffing over 200 people. In tandem, she operated as the Alameda
County Chapter Director, making it possible for thousands of kids to play basketball and create
lifelong memories in the National Junior Basketball League. At the time of her passing, she was
employed by Local 483 Sprinkler Fitters as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Officer.
Mary Charlene was survived by her husband of thirty-two years, Jerome Rhodes, and their two
daughters Leah Nicole Rhodes and Rachelle Simone Rhodes; two sisters and one brother, Ellen Marie
Williams of Grand Coteau, LA; Marilyn Kay Broussard and her husband, Charles Phillip of Belmont,
CA; Jesse Matthew Jones of San Mateo, CA; her God-mother and aunt Cecilia Lawrence of Grand
Coteau, LA; her two God-children, Charles Phillip Broussard II of Houston, TX and Micha Simmons
of Houston, TX. Charlene also had a multitude of nieces, nephews, and their children.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Jessica Ann Jones, Jean Jones Coco, and her parents,
Alida and Willie Jones.
Also survived by her paternal half siblings Frankie LeMelle, Karen LeMelle, Martin LeMelle, Velma
LeMelle and was preceded in death by Cleveland LeMelle of Sunset, LA.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
