Erica Denise Rhodes

Erica Denise Rhodes, 39 of Callaway, MD, affectionately known as "EBay or E", was called to eternal rest on Friday, February 16, 2018 while home under her family's care. Erica was born in Leonardtown, MD to Theresa Rhodes and James Christopher Berry. Erica was adopted and raised by her Grandmother, Ann Berry. Erica graduated from Leonardtown High School in 1996. It was at Leonardtown High when Erica first met, who would later be the true love of her life, James Parren Courtney. Although the two knew that they had a special love for each other, the two however would temporarily go their separate ways as God's plan and timing was altogether different. Erica went on to Hagerstown Business College and eventually become a Certified Nursing Assistant, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA), and a Phlebotomist supporting Calvert Memorial Hospital, LabCorp and MedStar St. Mary's Hospital. Erica's two children Dia'Mond Rhodes and Ca'Lan White were her everything. There was nothing more important to Erica than being with her family. Erica was an example for her children showing them that with God you can do anything by not setting limits on yourself. Erica was a skilled entrepreneur; she began developing her own wholesale uniform business. Family, friends, and coworkers supported her. You could find Erica at the Farmers Market on the weekends with a smile that would brighten anyone's day. Erica loved caring for, and helping others. Her motto was simple - all of her customers were going to look and feel good while caring for others. One thing we will never forget is Erica's contagious smile. You could always expect to see her glowing face, and a warm embrace no matter what she was going through. Her strength, courage, and perseverance were an inspiration to us all. Erica had a heart of forgiveness and gave second chances. So much so that God saw fit to give her a second chance by reuniting her with her first love "Courtney". The two birthed a vision that God had given to Erica in 2017 called "Uniforms for Less". Erica and Courtney's wedding date would have been April 4th, 2018. Erica was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on June 10, 2016. But, even in this, she found strength to help others. Erica stated to her fiancé "Cancer is not in my family, I am the first". Erica went on to say "I could have easily fallen apart by being depressed or simply giving up. But instead I said; Lord, help me! With the strength of my faith in God, my family, and my friends; I declared that this battle is not mine, it's the Lord's! I was going to fight this with everything that God placed within me and allow Him to use my journey, the past, the present, and the future to be a blessing, a witness, and a testimony in the life of others". In this, Erica encourages everyone reading and listening to this - to always seek God, forgive others, forgive yourself, rid evil, and embrace your journey, while trusting God through the process. Erica was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Joseph St. Ledger Berry, Sr., affectionately known as "Joe" and her sister, Ursula Rhodes. Erica leaves behind to cherish her love and remember her beautiful smile her fiancée, James Parren Courtney II, two children, Dia'Mond Rhodes, and Ca'Lan White, her father, James Christopher Berry (Agnes); her mother, Theresa Rhodes; her sister, Carla "Lala" Ford; her grandmother, Ann Berry; aunts, Joyce and Janice Berry, Yvette Rhodes and Patsy Miles; uncles, John Francis Berry (Roselyn), Joseph St. Ledger Berry, Jr. (Jackie), Bobby Carter (Belinda) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special love and thank you to Keisha Douglas, Kei Rhodes, Rose Garrett, Lee Spears, Lorraine Holder (Mike), the Pink, Bold & Beautiful her co-workers, patients, customers, and clients. Family and friends will unite on Friday, February 23, 2018 for visitation at 9 am until time of service at 11 am at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church, 24516 Budds Creek Road, Clements, MD 20624. Interment to follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 38888 Dr. Johnson Road, Helen, MD.