Rhonda Riddick

My Life, My Loves, My Goodbyes I was born on March 26, 1951, on a cold and snowy day to Martin and Bernice Riddick Knight in the home of my mother’s parents, Henry and Blanche Hofler Riddick, in Gates, North Carolina. My parents and grandparents await me now in their Heavenly home. My late Aunt Vanzola named me Rhonda Vernelle.

I grew up in a loving rural home with my older sister, Rita, whom I love dearly. Even to my last days, I remember and rejoice in the moments spent on the farm. We had laughter and tears, along with hard work and even harder play. Yes indeed, I loved being a country girl and a few of my cousins (Jr., Michael, Elvie, Murray, and Bonnie) would agree to that.

I joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church when I was ten years old and even though I may have gotten off track from time to time, I still believed that God is my King, and although I am not worthy, He still loves me.

I graduated from Central High School in 1969 and spent the next four years at Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In 1973, I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English on Mother’s Day. That probably was the best Mother’s Day gift I ever gave my mom. I spent the next 32 years teaching English to seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students at Central. That’s right, I’ve been a Viking all my life...You know the rest! I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of children. I hope that my passing through their lives made a difference.

After I retired from the school system, I worked at the State Employees Credit Union in Ahoskie, North Carolina, as a part-time receptionist for seven years. To me, being the co-founder, along with JoAnn Williams, of the Gates County BELLES was one of my crowning achievements. For years this organization has given to the citizens of Gates County through The Miss Teenage Gates County Pageant, Little Miss Belle, and Little Gent Contests, contributing to the schools, helping the needy, and giving thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving seniors at Gates County High School.

As I go today, please remember my smile and my sense of humor. Remember I tried to be fair to everyone and if sometimes I fell short, please forgive me. Remember I always tried to tend to my own business, however, sometimes others tended to mine. T hat’s okay though, because God and only God can judge.

My greatest joys in life have been to love and be loved by my nieces, Kristen and Courtney, my great-nephews, Kendall and Kelton, and great-niece, Kellsie....My Blood! I never had children of my own blood, but through my husband, I have two sons, Darrell Jr. and Shannon. I love all of you, but don’t cry too much, for your love made my days sunny and bright and chased away many dreary hours. I’ll miss you!

Last, but not least, Darrell, my husband, my friend, my beloved. Stay on the right path. Don’t let anyone or life turn you around and make you lose your footing. Remember our good times as we rode the mountain highways, enjoying life and each other. Remember our laughter and sometimes our tears. As I have told you many times, you will always have my love. You will never be alone for I am in your heart.

Now as I spread my wings and soar high, enjoying the freedom that only God can bring, remember that I know, that all of you love me, but God loves me more. I’ll see you all, MY LOVED ONES on the other side, but now:

Darrell, my love; dear sweet Rita; niece, Kristen (Bruce) of Zebulon, NC; goddaughter and niece, Courtney Vernelle of Raleigh, NC; great-nephews, Kendall and Kelton, and great-niece, Kellsie of Zebulon, NC; great-great-nephew, Kai of Louisburg, NC; special cousins, George Jr. (Cheryl) of Suffolk, VA, George “Tre” (Jasmin and daughters) of Tombell, TX, Andrew of Suffolk, VA, and Michael Freeman of Maryland; best friend and cousin, Julia Riddick Pullie of Elizabeth City, NC; stepsons, Darrell Jr. (sons) and Shannon (Jamese and children) of Gatesville, NC; father-in-law Rudolph Riddick Sr., brother-in-law Rudolph Riddick, Jr. (Mildred), and sister-in-law Alice Sharpe of Ahoskie and a host of cousins and friends... I’m still watching over you...I’m happy...I’m here with Martin and Bernice...I’M FREE!!

A viewing and visitation will take place on Saturday April 11, 2026, at the funeral home from 4pm to 7pm.

Celebration of Life service will take place on Sunday April 12, 2026, 2pm at New Hope Baptist Church.

Final resting place for Mrs. Riddick will be at the New Hope Church Cemetery.

Lastly, we would be honored if you would leave a short comment of how Rhonda impacted your life, words that best describe her, or your favorite memory of Rhonda in the condolence section.

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