Rhoda Patricia Cleverly 17 May 1926 - 10 January 2021

94 years of age, the same age as the queen as she would often remind us.  Rhoda lived a full life, very involved with the family retail business in her younger days and always deeply immersed in church life. 

Originally living in Wimbledon and serving at Southfields Baptist.  Typically of Rhoda we found an old notice sheet showing the stewarding rota. The only name on the sheet was Rhoda's morning and evening, every Sunday for the month.

Rhoda moved to Four Winds at Hamm Court, Weybridge, with her mum and dad and became a member of Walton Baptist Church where she was active in all areas of church life. She became well known for her generosity in giving her time and effort, particularly in giving lifts and hospital visiting. She was also very much a part of running the Sunday School at Hersham.

She was also very involved in the Luncheon Club at Walton, first as a helper and latterly as a guest, for about 40 years that we are aware of.

Along with her sister, Valerie, Rhoda was also part of the Sisterhood at Addlestone Baptist. Whenever there was an event which required catering Rhoda would produce one of her Black Forest trifles and/or her rightly famous meringues. Those in her House Group will recognise Rhoda’s taste for burnt sausages at a BBQ.

Rhoda was exceptionally generous in her support of various charities, at one count 23 different ones.  Three that particularly stand out.  She was a founding donor to Premier Christian Radio, even before they started broadcasting.  Rhoda's organisation of the annual door to door collection for Christian Aid was a matter of military precision, more than one person has said that would not have dared to dropped out of doing their designated road.  What was not so well know was that Rhoda herself would collect on every road on her patch that she could not find a volunteer for. She even made a note of which houses did not answer and would go back two or three times until she got them.  No road got left out on Rhoda's patch. Rhoda also organised the Baptist Missionary Society Birthday Scheme at Walton for many years and we know that some of you are still members of that scheme.

For several years Rhoda enjoyed a regular boating holiday with a group of ladies which became very important to her.  Judging by the photographs we saw each year they had a great time.  Being by the river was always a joy, she and Valerie spent many hours walking along the Thames.

Rhoda was proud of her family, nieces Janet and Susan, her great niece and nephew and even great, great nieces and nephews, often regaling visiting friends with what they were up to.  Most visits to Rhoda, be it family or friends, would include at least one game of scrabble and even in the last months at Sunrise Senior Living the giant Scrabble board (6ft x 6ft) was a focal point.

Rhoda's faith was heartfelt and carried her through the tough last years of her life (along with the many visits, phone calls, letters and cards from friends - thank you so much) and she was looking forward to her eternal destiny secure in her faith in Jesus.

Rhoda, a life well lived and one that touched many, many people. You will be remembered with great fondness by all who came across you and your reward is in heaven.

Favourite memory: All those games of Scrabble (don't take too long when it's your go).