Rhonda Denise Harrell was born on August 21, 1973, to the late Norman Harrell, and Shirley Jean Harrell. She was the elder of two daughters, later joined by her sister Rosalynn (Rozzy). Growing up in a home immersed in music, Rhonda’s musical journey began with singing at the tender age of two. Her educational journey began at St. John Cantius Catholic Preschool, where her early years of learning unfolded. Progressing through the Cleveland Public Schools, Rhonda’s passion for music found fertile ground at the Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA). Here, she not only sang in the choir but also graced the stage in various theatrical productions. Her scholastic achievements and contributions spoke volumes, earning her membership in the esteemed National Honor Society, alongside her role as Student Council Vice-President, a member of the Jazz Art Ensemble, and other notable accomplishments. Rhonda’s dedication to music led her to the Rainey Music Institute for piano lessons and the Cleveland Music Settlement for vocal training. Upon graduating from CSA in 1991, she embarked on her academic journey at Howard University in Washington, D.C. While attending college Rhonda led the efforts to reignite the William J. Seymour Pentecostal Fellowship at Howard University. The campus ministry, named after a minister who is largely considered the most influential man in the birthing of the modern Pentecostal movement, lay dormant and did not have a student leader for more than a decade.

Passionate about restoring a Pentecostal presence on campus, Rhonda organized a team of student leaders and reopened the chapter with the help of one of its founders, the late Reverend Steven Short. She appointed each student leader with a role and an assignment. The group worked together to plan student engagement activities and events, manage campus communications, and collect dues. The team effort led to multiple student Bible studies and services with local guest pastors, gospel concerts, and completing a beautification project to restore the historic Seymour House. Additionally, the team successfully hosted one of the largest religious student events on the campus at the time, the 25th Annual Intercollegiate Pentecostal Conference at the historic Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel. The 3-day conference brought in notable speakers and pastors including Bishop Huie L. Rogers of The Greater Bibleway Temple in Brooklyn, New York, and Bishop James Chambers of The City of Hope Greater Saint Mary Church. Many students received salvation, were delivered, and were connected to other believers.

While simultaneously pursuing her education and organizing a campus ministry, Rhonda became a watch care member at Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ and served as a youth leader. She moved on to help support Greater Grace Harvest Church in Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of Bishop Carl Montgomery. Rhonda was instrumental in connecting Howard students to Greater Grace where some became members and faithfully served long after they graduated. In 1995, she proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Music.
Upon returning home to Cleveland, Rhonda continued her quest for knowledge and pursued higher education at Cleveland State University, where she obtained a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in 2007.

Rhonda gained experience working in a range of roles at different institutions, including Upward Bound, Martin Luther King Public Library, and Church of the Covenant. Her life’s work and passion, however, resided in the realm of education. For 25 years, she served as a dedicated music teacher in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, instructing students from grades K through 8. She cherished her classroom and instruments. Known affectionately as Ms. H, she was deeply appreciated by both students and colleagues. Despite facing health challenges, Rhonda seldomly missed a day of school, and when she did, she ensured continuity of her students’ learning when absent. Her commitment to hard work was evident as she firmly believed in earned grades. She often lovingly but firmly said, “the grade you received, is the grade you earned.”

Rhonda fostered students’ musical talents through after-school activities, aiming to keep them motivated and engaged. Each year, her students had the honor of performing at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to Rhonda’s dedication. She directed, composed, and conducted choirs in educational and church settings, leaving a lasting impact on her students, who later as adults, often encountered her at various events or during her hospital stays, fondly remembering her as their “Music Teacher.”

At a young age, Rhonda was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, becoming a devoted member of the Pentecostal Church of Christ pastored by the late Bishop Charles William Watkins. In May of 1989, the late Bishop J. Delano Ellis, II was elected to serve as senior pastor. It was under his pastorate that she became a student of the gospel and was ordained an elder in 1999. Rhonda served in many different areas of the ministry over the years. She was a dynamic preacher who could take the simplicity of the word and powerfully impact the hearts of those who received it. Appointed as Youth Pastor by Bishop Ellis, Rhonda’s mission was to Create a Generation of Saints. For 15 years, this afforded her the opportunity to merge her passion for God and the Arts. Rhonda created many youth activities, often incorporating innovative elements like youth involvement in worship activities, creative drills during services, and catchy Bible study sessions that allowed the Word of God to be relevant and practical to receive. In addition to her role as youth pastor at PCC, Rhonda briefly served as the national youth leader for the United Pentecostal Churches of Christ. Recognizing her service to the youth, Bishop Ellis designed a special crest for Rhonda, a symbol she proudly wore.

Along with her role as youth pastor, Rhonda directed the church’s full-day Vacation Bible School, and in 2012, she established Camp Culture, under the vision of Dr. Sabrina Joyce Ellis to create a summer camp for kids. This camp not only nurtured singing, dancing, and artistic skills among youth but also provided first-time employment opportunities for many. Rhonda instilled confidence and unveiled the talents of every camper, exposing them to various art forms through field trips and community engagements. She encouraged educational growth and community service through programs like the Cleveland Public Library Summer Reading Program, Ronald McDonald House, Judson Manor, and Head Start to name a few. Even after camp hours, youth lingered, eager for more time with Rhonda or simply a ride home in her crowded car. The camp grew each year and because of its impact, secured neighborhood grants.

Rhonda was appointed Assistant Pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Christ, overseeing the St. Timothy Parish and Administration. Beyond her role in nurturing a Generation of Saints, she focused on cultivating Ministry Leaders. Her notable contribution was the inception of Ministry Day, allowing leaders to showcase their ministries, which were then evaluated by church and community leaders for alignment with the church’s vision and impact on the community and membership. Pastor Rhonda additionally served as an Adjutant, embodying a servant’s heart to church leaders during Holy Convocation and the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops. During one of the Colleges held in Rome, Italy, she stood as the sole female adjutant, offering dedicated service to all of the attending First Ladies. Her respect for ecclesiastical order and churchmanship was evident in her exceptional service to leaders.

Rhonda was the CEO and Founder of DORHNA Services, an independent contracting business advocating for Arts Education. DORHNA allowed Rhonda to hone in on her skills in teaching piano, basic music theory, and vocal coaching for years at the Shore Cultural Center in Euclid. When her health began to prevent her from being in person, she continued services online. Rhonda was a lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind. She had a strong passion for history and loved discussing world news, politics, church, and educational history. She enjoyed researching and staying updated with the latest discoveries. At the time of her passing, she recently started an online doctoral program in education at North Central University.

Known by many as Rhon, DeeDee, Pastor Rhonda, or Ms. H, she made a lasting impact on everyone she met. Rhonda embodied the belief in leaving things better than she found them. Over the past two years, her health declined, and on December 22, 2023, she was promoted to Glory. She peacefully transitioned with a radiant glow and wearing a serene smile. Although she’s no longer with us, her legacy endures in the lives she touched. Her unwavering love for God and people, regardless of their status, remains her lasting impression. She consistently loved, supported, and prayed for all of us. Rhonda’s remarkable memory preserved many faces and stories, often recalling forgotten details, making her truly special.

Rhonda is preceded in death by her father, Norman Harrell; grandparents, James & Rachel Dupree and Leroy & Ollie Harrell; and aunt and uncles, Edna Mable Mills Johnson, Sally Brown, and Robert & Henry Harrell. Rhonda leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Shirley Jean Harrell Williams (Albert); sister, Rosalynn Nicole Harrell; favorite nephew, Devon Norman Harrell Benson; aunts, Beverly Conner (George) and Gonzetta Edwards; uncles, Melvin Dupree (Denise) Ronald Dupree, Walter Harrell, Michael Harrell, and Richard Harrell (Charlotte); her mentor, Overseer Darlene Farrow; her God-parents, Elders Roy and Gail Matthews; her closest friends, Nikaeda Griffie (Niki), Accandria Rhym (Peaches), Geniece Webb, Rayna Fomby, Danielle Johnson (Danny) and Kai Brown Smith; her special glam-squad, Ms. Pam and Kayla O’Neal; and a host of family, friends, colleagues, and students.