In Talladega County, Alabama on April 25, 1936, Gene Kidd and Ella Pearl Turner were blessed with two baby girls, Vera Lou and Verna Sue.

Mrs. Vera Lou Rhoden dedicated her life to Christ and united with Hall Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she held the title of Mother of the Church at the time of her passing. She was educated at Hillside schoolhouse and at Hall Grove school in her early years. Once becoming of age, Vera and the late Henry Rhoden were united in holy matrimony. After becoming a wife, she remained home to lovingly care for her husband and the family they created. In her free time, Vera enjoyed playing the piano, playing cards, completing crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.

Cherished memories of Mrs. Rhoden will remain in the hearts of her three daughters, Beverly (Eddie) McElderry and Patricia Finley of Munford, Alabama and Valarie Rhoden of Talladega, Alabama; three sons, Cecil (Yolanda) Thomas of Munford, Alabama, Clay (Teresa) Thomas of Talladega, Alabama and Christopher Thomas of Marietta, Georgia; a step- daughter, Geraldine Curry of Anniston, Alabama; seventeen grandchildren, forty-two great grand- children and five great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On October 19, 2024, Mrs. Rhoden answered the call of her Lord and Savior to take her rest. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Henry Rhoden; her parents, Gene Kidd and Ella Pearl Turner; one stepdaughter, Bobbie Jean Rhoden Mosley; two stepsons, William Rhoden and Fredrick Rhoden; six sisters, Verna Sue Turner, Eunice Turner, Helen McElderry, Lois Turner, Meg Turner and Mary Alice Groce; six brothers, Howard Turner, Alvin Turner, Jr., Melvin Turner, Hugh Turner, Carl Turner and Norris Turner; and three unnamed siblings..