Obituary of Danielle S. Rhodes

Danielle Sandra Roberta Rhodes was the youngest of five children born to William and Alice Rhodes. She was named for all her uncles (Danny, Samuel, and Robert) and affectionately known to all as “Dani”. Born in Englewood, NJ on June 16, 1946, Danielle transitioned from this life peacefully on August 13, 2022.

Danielle spent part of her early days in both Leonia and Newark, N.J. before permanently moving to Englewood, N.J. to live with her aunt and uncle, Naomi and Herman “Hank” Smith.

As a youth she attended Englewood Public Schools where she learned to play the upright bass fiddle which was much larger than she was. She would serenade her nephew when she babysat him. Upon graduating Dwight Morrow High School she left the nest to further her education at the Tennessee State University (TSU) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1970. Her interest in physical education led her to look into modern dance and ballet. She quickly became proficient in dance and began assisting in the dance department known at the time as “HPER” the Health, Physical Education and Recreation dept. Here is where she taught the football players ballet as part of their athletic training requirements. From this connection she developed two very deep and life-long mentors and friendships with Mrs. Carrie Gentry and Ms. Peggy Williams.

Dani’s first love has always been dance and teaching dance to Nashville’s youth and students of TSU. As a dance instructor at the Dancearts Centre alongside her long-time friend and mentor Peggy Williams, Dani spent many evenings and holidays preparing for and training youth for the big performance.

While in college Dani worked as an intern at the campus Post office. After passing the civil servant exam she accepted employment at the campus post office. Danielle worked faithful for the United States Postal Service for 52 years and three months. I’m sure a record for this location.

Dani was an active member of the Nashville community, supporting community leaders, students, and her beloved Alma mater. Like her aunts she was also a member of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Nashville, Davidson County.

Dani also enjoyed returning to her hometown for the Christmas holidays to shop for and decorate the tree with her sister and brother. She is most known as the “Cheerleader” who worked in the Post Office. But to her big brother she will always be his Princess and our Sunshine.

She is remembered by her siblings as being extremely sweet, gentle, and quiet. Her parents and two sisters, Beatrice R. James and Delores Rhodes preceded her in death.  She has left to mourn her two loving siblings: William “Tommy” Rhodes and Martha J. Herring and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of cherished friends and the TSU family.

In Lieu of Flowers please make a financial contribution in Memory of Danielle S. Rhodes to one of the below funds:

The Burnece Brunson Cheerleader Fund (TSUs very 1st Cheerleader) OR The Maxine Merritt Cheerleader Fund (Former Coach: TSU Cheerleaders). 100-year-old cheerleader still rooting for TSU (tennessean.com)    Please indicate on your payment in Memory of Danielle S. Rhodes Class of 1970

Tennessee State University Foundation

c/o:  Choose one of the above funds

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd

Campus Box 9542

Nashville, TN 37209

OR

Alive Hospice

Mail Checks to:

1718 Patterson Street

Nashville, TN 37203

Online donations: www.AliveHospice.org/give

Please indicate on your payment in Memory of Danielle S. Rhodes