Helen Lucille Rhoads

Helen Lucille (Emerick) Rhoads, 96, of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 12, 2025 at Hospice House in Sun City, Florida.

Born in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Helen was the daughter of the late Earl Benjamin and Eliza Jane (Craze) Emerick, the second of 11 children. She was a graduate of the Shillington High School's class of 1946.

Helen worked part-time as a waitress at the Exeter Diner, and dedicated herself full-time as a homemaker, raising her family with love and care. She enjoyed camping and vacationing at the beach. In her younger years, she had a passion for athletic activities including softball, bowling, and volleyball. A woman of many talents, Helen learned to fly and served in the Civil Air Patrol as a young adult. She had a deep appreciation for music, learning to dance and play the piano. Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed solving puzzles of all kinds.

She is survived by six of her sons and their spouses, Kerry (Nancy), Terry (Julia), Scott (Kathleen), Joel (Mildred), Roger (Judith), and Paul (Shannon); her brother James (Etta) Emerick; her sister Mary Jane Ohlinger; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey M. Rhoads; two sons, Barry and Timothy; her brothers Earl, Paul, Leon, and David; and her sisters Dorothy Fix, Frances Bergman, Caroline Emerick, and Gladys Painter.

Helen was a devoted member of the Bloomingdale Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Over her 74 years of faithful service to her heavenly father, Jehovah God, she formed lasting bonds with many spiritual brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren. She served as a full-time pioneer for many years as her health and family responsibilities allowed.

Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Worldwide Work of Jehovah's Witnesses at jw.org. To share condolences or memories, please visit the family's personalized online guestbook at https://www.serenitymeadows.com/obits.