Charlotte Rhodes

Charlotte Roxanne (Davenger) Rhodes, age 70, passed away January 19, 2019 shortly after being diagnosed with Fragile X associated tremor ataxia Syndrome. She was born March 2, 1948 in Philadelphia, PA to Calvin M. Davenger Sr. and Martha A. (Cofield) Davenger, who preceded her in death. Charlotte was a product of the Philadelphia Public School System and was a graduate of Overbrook HS class of 1966. She participated in many youth activities such as Wee Girls social club and as a teenager she enjoyed socializing and dancing. She received her early Christian experience at St. Philip Lutheran Church in Philadelphia.

Charlotte met her pen pal of 4 years in July, 1969 at an airport in New York and on September 5, 1970 she married her good friend and love, Willie L. Rhodes. After marrying, Charlotte left a nursing program she was enrolled in New York and moved to Wharton, Texas with her husband, while he attended college. While in Texas working at the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, Charlotte was introduced to her life’s passion, advocating and caring for children and adults with special needs.

When her husband graduated from college he took a position with a major oil company and moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin and in 1973 her husband’s job transferred them to Illinois. After moving to Illinois Charlotte took a position with Union Oil Company of California as a pricing analyst until they closed their offices in Illinois. During this period Charlotte and her husband bought a home and began a family in Hanover Park, Illinois. In 1976 the Lord blessed Charlotte and her husband with their first son, Lee W. Rhodes (who preceded her in death) but not without some challenges. Lee had some developmental challenges of unknown origin, which wasn’t diagnosed until 10 years later when the Lord blessed Charlotte and her husband with their second son, Matthew. Both was later diagnosed with a genetic condition called Fragile X Syndrome. This proved a very challenging time for the Rhodes household and it was only by the grace of God that they made it through. It was the prayers of their parents and grandparents that kept them until they got serious about their own faith.


In 1981, Charlotte was lead to newly established Christian Tabernacle Church where she began her life of service along with her husband and boys. She started her work as an Usher in the church, where she faithfully served for 37 years. Also, during this time she provided early leadership in the Missionary Department and as a teacher in the annual Vacation Bible School initiatives.

Charlotte operated a successful home-based business as an Avon Representative for 30 years where she received many awards. As an Avon Representative she really got involved in the community by joining her local School PTO. After serving in PTO leadership Charlotte successfully ran for a school board seat on her local school board where she served for eight years. In addition, little did she know that the Lord had a plan for her when she begin caring and advocating for her two sons who was intellectually and physically challenged due to a Fragile X Syndrome diagnosis. The Lord used all this to prepare her for seven years of service on the board of the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County in Naperville, IL. During her tenure of service on these boards she achieved the Master board level in DuPage County.

Upon retiring from the various boards Charlotte moved into the classroom in her local school district and became a Teacher’s Aide where she served until 2015 when she retired. She served and cared for all of God’s people, especially those in need. Serving others was her joy. Charlotte leaves to cherish her precious memories, her beloved and faithful husband of 48 years who she often affectionately called “Baby” Elder Willie L. Rhodes (Hanover Park, IL.); her pride and joy & baby son Matthew A. Rhodes (Wheaton, IL); a loving brother and wife Calvin M. Davenger Jr. (Darcel) (Philadelphia, PA.); Sister-in-law, Daphne Davenger (Philadelphia, PA.); Niece, Althea Davenger (Baltimore, MD).; Nephew, Calvin M. Davenger III (Philadelphia, PA.); as well as her Church family and a host of other family and friends.
Memorial Service: Saturday, February 9, 2019 10 AM at Christian Tabernacle Church, 100 S. Park Street, Roselle, IL. 60172. In lieu of flowers charitable gifts can be sent in memory of Charlotte to the National Fragile X Foundation (Fragilex.org) or 800-688-8765.