Rhonda’s Life Journey

Rhonda Ann Gillings was born November 17, 1959, to Carl Harold Gillings & Vivian Gillings. She was the middle child between her older sister, Narda, and younger brother, Carl Terrance. Rhonda accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. As a child, she developed an interest in and love for art, music, dogs, water and Black History. Rhonda loved dogs so much that she even brought a few stray dogs home occasionally.

Rhonda graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Cleveland, OH. After high school, she enrolled at Kent State University and later decided to transfer and take her talents to Cleveland State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Shortly after earning her degree, Rhonda began teaching for the Cleveland Municipal School District. She taught and worked with a range of students from elementary through high school, general education and special education. As much as she enjoyed teaching, she also had a passion for learning. Rhonda pursued and obtained a Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University in 2000. That same year, she was inducted into the Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education.

On June 2, 1993, Rhonda gave birth to her beautiful daughter Raja Victoria Gillings Brown. She took great pride in being a mother, often saying “I love Raja more than life itself.” When anyone was on babysitting duty for Raja, they received a “How to Care for Raja” booklet. Regardless of the babysitter’s experience, detailed instructions were provided on what to do or not do for her baby girl.

Rhonda passionately cared about family and friends. She loved life and was the life of parties! Rhonda loved dancing and snapping those fingers; no one could make that firecracker snap sound like her. She knew life was also about gaining and sharing knowledge. Rhonda regularly shared her passion for Black history, art and empowerment with others.

Rhonda made her transition from this earthly life to eternal rest on September 26, 2024. She is preceded in death by her father, Carl. Rhonda leaves to cherish her beautiful spirit and loving memories, her mother, Vivian; her daughter, Raja; her sister, Narda; her brother Carl T. (Rico), a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her loving dog, Manly.

Very special thanks to Wanda Gillings Morgan, Minnie Williams, and Cleveland Clinic Hospice.