11/25/2017
Rhoda Bruington, a remarkable woman, died Saturday morning, November 25, 2017. Born in Philadelphia PA on April 14, 1945, she left PA in 1960 and resided in Florida, where she held a variety of unskilled and skilled jobs, finished high school, and enrolled in college. In 1991 she was incarcerated in Women’s Prison. Rhoda accepted responsibility for her actions, and used her prison time productively. She kept a 3.8 point grade-point average at Shaw University, chaired the prison’s student advisory council, was rector for Kairos, an ecumenical activity in prisons, meditated, studied Buddhism, and counseled other prisoners. She was released in 2004.
Eleven years ago she met Dennis Gaddy, founder of the Community Success Initiative, which assists former offenders get real opportunities to become productive citizens. Rhoda became a volunteer and then one of CSI’s earliest employees. She was a profound supporter of clients, a humorous and very competent case worker, and contributed to society in ways few will ever understand.
Following are pictures of the Memorial Service held on Wednesday, Dec 6, at 11am at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.
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