Rhonda Jo Johnson-Denholtz

Fort Myers - Rhonda Jo Johnson-Denholtz, 65, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on November 7, 2025. Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Rhonda was the beloved daughter of Joe and Lucy Johnson. She earned both her B.A. and M.A. from The University of Alabama before building an incredibly rich life made larger by her curiosity, sharp mind, and her luminous spirit.

Rhonda shared 14,189 days with her husband and soulmate, David Denholtz, whom she met for the second time in New York on January 2, 1987, and who she married on May 15, 1988. Together they had three children: Maya McBride Denholtz (deceased), Lucy Emma Denholtz, and Samuel Henry Denholtz, the pride and center of her world.

She is survived by her siblings Eddie Johnson (Yvette), Amy Sherwood (Eddie), Andrew Johnson (Jamie), and Anthony Johnson, along with many nieces and nephews and countless friends across the country who cherished her.

Rhonda's passions were many and wholehearted. She loved books, writing, movies, art, music, and great food. She loved her dogs-Pinkie, Moby, and Nuala-who brought joy to her everyday. New York City held a special place in her heart, a city whose energy and infinite complexity of moods and light matched her own. Fiercely intelligent, unfailingly warm, and unforgettable in both her remarkable beauty and the even greater beauty of her heart, Rhonda touched every life around her with wisdom and kindness.

Honoring her wishes, Rhonda will be cremated. She asked that her ashes be scattered from the end of the Coney Island pier, a place where she and her friends and family shared joy and laughter. A celebration of her beautiful life will be held in both Florida and New York in the coming months.