/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/577/489100/iReF9xSIIIF3si3Yimage00000030.JPG)
Obituary For Rhoda Howard
We honor and celebrate the life of Rhoda Lynn Howard, daughter of the late McDaniel Howard and the late Rene C. “Miss Rene” Purdy, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
She received her formal education in the Harrisburg School District and graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1978. She was a cheerleader and in the band front for the Mighty Cougars. Mainly because she didn’t like running and track was not her thing. Having a desire to further her education she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Shippensburg University.
During her working career, she worked at Pinnacle Health as a security guard and then she was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation, from where she retired with 20 years of service.
Rhoda was also involved in her community. She worked the voting polls for years and even ran for city council.
In her leisure, Rhoda enjoyed life. She loved to shop and loved clothes. She also enjoyed traveling and music. She traveled to all types of musical events. She loved the Hampton Jazz Festival and was scheduled to make it there this year. She was an avid football fan...Fly Eagles Fly. She enjoyed good food, family and friends. She loved to dance and she gets that from her mom.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the age of 65 years, Rhoda Lynn Howard, transitioned into eternal life at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones.
She leaves to celebrate her life, her sisters, Lenette Y. Purdy Brown, Romaine E Purdy and Denise L Purdy; her brothers, McDaniel Purdy Sr., Roy Purdy and Vernon Purdy. She also leaves behind her daughter/niece, Natisha Thompson and her children, Tishauna Thompson, Leo McDonald, Lequan McDonald, Denali Thompson, Jonisha Thompson and Jyree Bellamy; her nieces and nephews, Marcus, Shawna, Edward, Ross, Robert, Chris, Julian, McDaniel, Bridgette and Morgan and a host of great and great great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Also, her close and dear Sister friends, Tammy, Needie, Wanda, Roni and Shyanne.
Rhoda’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, June 13, 2025 with a viewing and visitation from 9:30-11:00 am in the Sanctuary of Baptist Fellowship Church, 3985 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rhoda to the American Cancer Society, 3211 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceRHODA was my son Taraja' babysitter from a little boy , until 12 yr. Old. I never could figure out why my carpet had so dirty when I got home at night . Come to find out Rhroda was giving parties 🎉 at my house while my husband and I were out partying. & not only that . I did her hair for thirty yr. , & she never was on time. She always came when David was fixed breakfast. So you know she had to eat ( that girl loved Food). ! & last but not last , here comes the clothes. Rhoda had me promise not to tell her mom about the Shoes & clothes she was hiding at my home when she got paid & guess what ? It's been our secret for almost 50 years. Love you Rhoda . I pray you're Showered in the Blood of Jesus forever. Your loving friend Renie.
Dear Family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Rhoda. Her presence was truly a gift her laughter, wisdom, and warmth touched so many lives. She carried a light that will never fade, and though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit remains in every cherished memory, in every lesson she imparted, and in every act of kindness she shared. May The Most High peace surround you in this time of sorrow. May the comfort of His love uplift you and may the strength of family and faith guide us as we honor her legacy. My heart and prayers are with you. With love and deepest sympathy (Cousin Cheryl)
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rhoda! You are in my prayers! Rest on my friend! Rest on!
Today you are laid to rest my dear friend, your smile and sense of knowledge will always remain in my memories. Just a beautiful soul gone too soon. Rest peacefully my dear in Gods welcoming arms, no more suffering.
My sincere condolences to Rhoda's family. My earlier memories of Rhoda were in school. She was short like myself but walked tall, very studious, and just a bright light. We weren't really close, yet we weren't strangers. I will miss seeing her out and about in the Burg. Rest well, Rhoda. Brenda Cammack A classmate.
I'm sad and surprised to hear that Rhoda passed away. I enjoyed reading the post her niece shared. She and I worked together a couple of years ago. She loved life and had an upbeat personality. I'm sorry that her family and friends have to say goodbye to her already, because I know that she will be very missed! I'm thankful and honored that our paths crossed. Sending condolences to the family.
I am Rhoda Lynn Howard's niece. She was a beautiful soul. She had the best laugh in the world. You could not help but join in when the laughed. She loved football. Cowboy fan like me. I can remeber her sitting in the kids chairs watching the game on Thanksgiving at Grandmother's house when I was a little girl. She would come over to our house, and pinch my cheeks and my mom, He oldest sister Lenette Y. Purdy Brown would fuss at her. She always made time for birthday gifts and so much more. She loved to dance and she loved good music. She went to the Hampton Jazz festival and was planning on going there this year. She could dress. she would find the best finds for clothes and she loved God. She loved her Niece Natisha Thompson. She helped to raise her and she was a daughter to her. So many things could be said. So many lives touched. God bless her soul. Rest well.
My friend, I'm going miss our conversations and laughter...Rest in Paradise. My sincere condolences to the family.
Wow. I always say the Lord knows everything. Just about 2 years ago we had our 45th class reunion. I've always seen Rhoda throughout the Hall's of Harrisburg Steelton Highspire Votech I never really knew her. During the class trip I had a chance to actually talk with her. Such a honest, determined, strong woman. We never know what God has planned. And I'm So Grateful I got that chance to chat with my classmate. Rhoda you will truly be missed. Your classmate Lenora (Mills) Hernandez. #78 🙏🏽
My Deepest Condolences to the Family🙏🏽
My Sincerest Thoughts And Prayers To Her Family. Rest In Peace Rhoda.
Rhoda my friend I will miss you Rest in peace
Rest in peace my dear friend you will always be remembered, especially when we worked at the ROC when we gather together by the big window looking out towards the river to pray for those who were going through or loss of a classmate or loved one, or just shared our thoughts for that day.
Aww Rhoda! I'm gonna miss seeing you in passing! It was usually In Kline village! Our small talk! Talking about retiring! Which you already done! R.I.P. Beautiful 😇
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
