Maurice Rhodes

The date of the service is January 30th at 2pm. Please copy and paste Zoom link to your browser to join event. Zoom Meeting https://jworg.zoom.us/j/3655118985? pwd=RDBkemRTbzd1M3FOTE1YZE0wZFBUQT09 A True Renaissance Man - A man who was skilled at all tasks he attempted and who had a wide-ranging knowledge in many fields. Maurice was a gentleman, a creative and charismatic—all of which he did effortlessly. Maurice Rhodes was born on January 18, 1953, on an Apache Reservation in the White Mountains of McNary, Arizona. He was the only son of Robert and Renee Lowery. Maurice spent his younger years growing up in San Francisco, California, was a member of the First AME Zion Church in San Francisco, played piano at recitals at the landmark Masonic Auditorium and the San Francisco Opera House and started playing Pop Warner Football. At the age of 16 the family moved to Richmond, California. The family joined Easter Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond, California, where he worshiped for many years. Maurice attended Richmond High School where he excelled in sports—he was a top athlete—and in wood shop. Maurice was a member of the track and field team earning many medals, trophies and accolades. He ran the quarter-mile race and was anchor on the 4X400m relay team. He also played varsity football for the Richmond High Oilers where he was a defensive running back and a running back. Maurice had a natural ear and flair for music. As a child, he took piano lessons—though not very seriously— however, once he found his affinity for the electric bass guitar (around the age of 17), he developed a serious musical love affair. He played his bass daily until his illness prevented him from doing so. In 1978, while living in Oakland, California, Maurice married Joslyn Belton. He played the electric bass guitar with a band called Sweet Chariot and worked as a journeyman carpenter. During the early years of marriage, Maurice and Joslyn moved to Richmond, California, where he attended the Contra Costa County Fire College graduating 3rd in his class. In 1987 Maurice, Joslyn and their two children moved to Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago where they started a business called Carved Wood Designs. In 1990 the family relocated to Spring Hill, Florida where they continued to raise their two children, Nyri and Marcus. Maurice loved helping and caring for people so when he returned to the United States, his chosen career as a nurse came as no suprise to anyone. Maurice worked as a nurse in the local hospitals for 26 years. He retired from Bayonet Point Hospital in 2018 after 15 years of employment. Upon his retirement, Maurice was presented with a certificate of recognition for his valued contributions. Maurice’s love for music was felt by anyone who observed him as he practiced his bass—daily—and by everyone who danced to his thumping bass beats. Maurice’s loved for and his perfection of his craft was at the core and essence of who he was as a musician. He was a member of the Doc Shaker Band, Igniters Band and the Rhythm Express Band playing Rhythm and Blues with an unique treatment of old and new. Whatever the band played Maurice always delivered the Funk. Anyone who knew and loved Maurice, knows he could be very witty at times. His quick-wittedness aided his unique talent for assigning “nicknames” to cousins and his sisters based on his ability to instantly size up a monmentary misfortune or a hilarious situation. These memories bring smiles and comfort at this time. Maurice fell asleep in death on December 29, 2020, at his home with his wife and family at his bedside. He was 67 years young. He loved his family. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Josyln Rhodes Florida; his loving children, daughter Nyri Wesley and son Marcus Rhodes of Florida; grandson Kameren Wesley of Georgia; granddaughter Ayva Rhodes of Florida; parents Robert and Renee Lowery of California; sisters Tamara Lowery Jones of California and Christine Kimbrough of Ohio; nieces Ashlee George, Colleen George Everly (George) and Nia Jones of California; and numerous relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws) and friends. Maurice attended the East Spring Hill Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. "God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away" Revelation 21:4