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Rhonda Jackson Obituary

Rhonda M. Jackson of Alameda, CA. She is survived by her mother, Mozelle Phillips of Alameda; aunts Vivien Davis of San Francisco and Shirley Ligon of Elk Ridge, Maryland; uncle Landon Ligon of Hayward; cousins Rahmin Ligon, Pat Rhamin, Walu Ligon; a host of nieces and nephews; and her spouse/ partner of 35 years, Connie Bates. Her extended family included auntViola Matthews, and sisters Bola Odumakinde, Kemi Tunrarebi, Mumbo Ayiloge, and Cynthia Harris. Rhonda was an amazing person who lived a full life. Her many loves included photography, traveling the world and golf. She also had a life-long interest in learning and neverstopped her academic pursuits even in the most difficult times. Rhonda never met a stranger and absolutely loved talking to people and being with friends, which were many. She had a smile that lit up the room and a genuine warm heart that touched everyone she came in contact with. A Life Celebration is being held on June 4, 2011 at the Grandview Pavillion, 300 Island Drive, Alameda, CA, at 2 pm. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to "Susan G. Komen for the Cure."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Inside Bay Area on May 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Rhonda Jackson

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Bridget O'Keeffe

May 20, 2025

It's so nice to bring up memories of Rhonda. She was our wedding photographer, and with her unique energy and style of engagement with everyone, she brought so much joy to us and our guests on our wedding day. We soon realized we had also gained a friend - she kept in touch with us, she invited us to her home and introduced us to Connie, she gave us remodeling advice, and she gifted us canvas prints from our wedding after she was done displaying them as samples for her business. Takes me down memory lane and feels like yesterday. Sending our love

Bridget O'Keeffe

May 21, 2023

Miss this inspiring, joy-filled woman. She holds a special place in our hearts, and I think of her every time I look at our wedding photography.

Jennifer Sharpe

February 4, 2018

Love you sweet girl. Hugs- Jennifer Anna and El Mirador. Always missing you.

Kate Sage

June 3, 2014

Such a beautiful site Connie. Thanks for sharing your memories of Rhonda with me and Anne.

May 15, 2013

Dear Rhonda,

Another year has gone by since you've left us. I hope you know how much you are missed. I think of you often and always reminded by things that you said or places we've gone. I will be thinking about you tomorrow and keeping your memories in my heart.

I miss you so much !

Love,
T

Theresa Baptiste

November 29, 2012

Dear Rhonda,

Happy Birthday my dear friend. I think about you always and I am reminded by one of your happiest birthdays when Connie surprised you with Pockets and Bailey. The smile in your picture holding them says it all. I hope that you are having a happy day in heaven. I think of you always.

Love,
Theresa

Bridget O'Keeffe

November 15, 2012

Connie,

My husband and I have been meaning to look Rhonda up again for a while, and we're heartbroken to find this news of her passing. She was our wedding photographer 12 years ago, and we adored her! We were just looking at our album tonight (finally unpacked from a recent move), and we were thinking about how much fun it would be to introduce our kids to her, and we were so hoping to have her do portraits of us all.. We are so sorry for your loss. We visited her at your house just twice, and she made us feel like family- she was just that kind of person. She shared lots of stories about the various adventures you two shared- one could tell from the gleam in her eyes and the song in her voice that she truly loved and enjoyed her life.

Please accept our condolences,
Bridget, David, Ethan, Owen and Penelope Cheng

Erica Ramos

August 13, 2012

I was attempting to re-connect with a fellow photographer, when i found this page, and I'm so saddened by this news, I worked at Kimbo Color lab in SF from 2000-2005, and I always was so happy to see Rhonda's happy face pass through our doors, she was a joy to know, I'm so sad that I waited to long to 'look her up':( she had a great passion for life and truly was a wonderful & beautiful woman. She once brought me her mama's good cooking for everyone to try, delicous!! loved talking with her, she was certainly a people person. My heart goes out to her family and partner, I know she loved you all very, very much!!

Theresa Baptiste

May 17, 2012

Dear Rhonda,

How could it be that a year has gone by since you left us? I spoke to Connie yesterday and we both agreed that the hole in our hearts remains. You are missed every day.

Love,
Theresa

Theresa Baptiste

November 16, 2011

Dear Rhonda,

I cannot believe it's been six months since you left us. I think about you every day and miss talking to you. It was great having you enter one of my dreams, what a pleasant surprise! You looked amazing! Of course you jumped right in and started giving me advice and our typical our sibling-like banter started! It's comforting to know that you haven't changed a bit. Even though we are worlds apart you still are making your presence known..thank you. 

Please come and visit me soon, I miss you.

Love,
Theresa

Alison McNamara

November 11, 2011

Can't stop thinking about you today...must not be laughing enough. I started a new job and would like to tell you about it. You'd have a lot to say. I would call you if I could. Love you so much!!!

August 6, 2011

My condolences go out to the family of Rhonda Jackson.
Psalms 46:1.

Alison McNamara

June 19, 2011

Dear Rhonda, I am so broken hearted that you are gone-surely we had more time. I miss your emails and phone calls so much. What I would give for one more phone call. You were going to come visit in the Spring. Finally, Connie and you could have your own room! You were the older sister I never had - urging me to dream and DO. Having you gone has left an awful, large hole in my life. I'm still shocked that you have gone away. How we laughed!! and laughed and laughed. You are an incredible woman, and if I can live life half as large as you, I will be accomplishing a lot. Thanks for being such a wonderful, wonderful friend. I love you so much. I can't stop thinking about you.

Theresa Baptiste

June 18, 2011

Dear Rhonda,

The previous guest book entry on 6-6-2011 was from me.

Love,

Theresa

June 16, 2011

Dear Rhonda,

I can't believe it's already been a month since you have left us. I think about you always. Every time I think of you, my best friend, I am reminded by the laughter and happiness you brought to everyone. Marathon conversations that lasted from 8 pm until 8 am..only with you! Laughing until we were on the ground, stomachs hurting. Travels, adventures and all that Hollywood gossip will be just a few of my fondest memories spent with you.

It brings me some comfort knowing that you are happy and are helping someone in heaven. I know that you had to leave and
had to move on to greater things than we have here .

I refuse to say goodbye because I know it's not. Please come and visit me in my dreams so we can laugh again and you can update me on all of your adventures in paradise. I can't wait to hear about them! Heaven is lucky to have you but, they already know that

Until later..

Cindy

June 10, 2011

Dear Rhonda,
Our times together were too few, but you have left an imprint upon my heart, as you have for many others. Connie was so blessed to have had you by her side for 35 years of growing love. I know that the life you shared together brought her much joy and an immeasurable amount of cherished memories. You were so full of life... the world was a better place, because of your energy and pure goodness. Now Heaven will be an even better place as you join its fleet of Angels. Be at peace, sweet lady, and watch over all of us, especially your Mama and Connie.

June 7, 2011

Dear Rhonda, You were such a special person to so many people. Thanks for being so good to Trent and for the many memories. I will always appreciate how much you loved my sister. I will miss you. Show them that smile up in heaven! Karen

Nancy Rossiter

June 5, 2011

Rhonda, I'm glad I had a chance to get to know you during your memorial service! What a wonderful life you had. Bruce and I are sending hugs and prayers to Connie and Mozelle.

June 4, 2011

We send our prayers to you, Connie and Mozelle, and know that the memories of Rhonda will live on always in our hearts. Diane, Thornton, and Charlie Weiler

Kemi Tunrarebi

June 4, 2011

Rhonda, you were so lively and full of energy last Christmas.You had so many plans and many things to accomplish. How this cancer takes over and deprived you of doing these things. I don't know what this year Christmas will be like without you. You are such a fighter and encourager. You are greatly missed and Christmas dinner will not be the same without you! Rest in Peace!!!

Olu Odumakinde

June 4, 2011

You will be missed

bola odumakinde

June 4, 2011

miss you always.

Bola

Peg & Dave Gerdes

June 4, 2011

Rhonda-roo, how we will miss you! You left too too soon. Thankfully you left us your high spirits, your wonderfully witty and wicked sense of humor, your joy in life, your incredible energy. We will have arms round Connie and your mom forevermore.

Rowland Wing

June 4, 2011

Moiselle, and Connie, Rhonda will be dearly missed, however we will have all the great memories forever. I guess, she'll have to wait a little before we could go for our mc/scooter cruise. You have our condolence, and deepest sympathy.

Rowland and Lendy

Nate and Janet Park

June 4, 2011

We loved Rhonda so much. She was an inspiration to our children and we could always count on her for support. We will so miss her.
Nate and Janet Parker

Janet & Michael

June 4, 2011

Dear Connie and Mozelle - We are so priviledged to be here to share this memorial wit you both.

John & Elizabeth Fassel

June 4, 2011

Rhonda, You will always be in our thoughts & prayers. Thanks for always being so kind & for lighting up our lives with your smile.

HAROLD L. PHILLIPS, JR.

June 3, 2011

Mozelle, I'm loss for words and don't know what to say, but I know your care and support brought Rhonda great comfort also I know in your life she was very important to you. You have my condolence and deepest sympathy.

HAROLD L. PHILLIPS, JR.

June 3, 2011

Connie, Rhonda was such a creative person and eventhough we've met only once, I know you and Rhonda had a relationship that was special. I'm sorry for your loss!

Aunties Rhonda & Connie & McNamara Kids

Alison

June 3, 2011

Errol Davis

June 2, 2011

I can only express my sincere love and support for the very long time friendship that we have shared with each other and with our partners, Connie. I know that what you and Rhonda shared with each other was very special. Please know that, like the sudden loss of my son two years ago, Rhonda will never be totally out of your life. She will always be in your heart and you will, when you need to, be able to talk to her as I do with Greg. I love you, my old friend and working partner.. Errol

Suzie Armstrong

June 1, 2011

Dear, dear Connie.....you know how much my heart aches for you. Rhonda was just such a "cool" woman! Really.....I so liked her from the first time we met (like 20++ years ago). What a gift she was and will always be. I loved the picture of you two together - so good to see your faces!
I love you woman, as only an old, old friend can. Please know that I think about you every day. We will keep in touch!!
Suzie

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