Rhonda Elizabeth Person

After a protracted illness, Rhonda Elizabeth Ghee Person of Norfolk, Virginia, transitioned peacefully into life eternal on April 30, 2025. She was the widow of the late John Person and the eldest daughter of the late Louise and Elliott Ghee. Rhonda was also predeceased by a brother, Cornelius “Junie” Miller, and her youngest daughter, Shannon Latrice Ghee. She was a lifelong resident of the Berkley community and a former member of the New Hope U.C.C.

In the early 1960s, Rhonda accepted Christ as her personal savior. Under the pastorate of Reverend Wilson Washington, Rhonda received water baptism at St. Mark U.C.C. For many years, she was an active member of the New Hope congregation, serving most notably in the C.E. Upton Memorial Choir. Here, Rhonda displayed her talent as an alto vocalist.

Rhonda identified education as her ultimate career objective and began developing teaching skills in early childhood. Family and friends share fond memories of Rhonda handing out notebook paper and pencils to the “students” in her “classroom” on the second-floor porch of the family home.

Rhonda was a proud member of Booker T. Washington’s graduating class of 1970. After receiving the B.S. degree in Special Education from Norfolk State College (‘74), Rhonda was able to realize her career ambition by becoming a certified teacher in the state of Virginia.

Her professional experiences as an educator included appointments in Portsmouth District’s Alternative School, The Pines Residential Treatment Center, and Chesapeake District’s Camelot Elementary School.

Rhonda will be remembered for her kindness, giving spirit, and keen sense of humor. Her loss resonates within the family and throughout the Berkley community.

Loved ones left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Tanya G. Little (Eugene) of Chesapeake, VA; son, Sean Person of Norfolk, VA; granddaughter, Brandise Little of Portsmouth, VA; and sister, Marsha G. Hill of Norfolk, VA. She is also survived by nephews: Maurice Miller, Roderick Miller, and Kenneth Miller of New London, Connecticut; and Dimitri Hill of Syracuse, NY. Additionally, she is survived by a host of other relatives and friends.