Rhonda Desiree Lamaster Blakely was born Saturday, September 1, 1951 in Los Angeles, California, to her beloved mother, Jimmye Esther and devoted father, Louie W. Mason. Rhonda was their eldest child. She was joined by her younger siblings, brother James (nicknamed Chappie) and sister Rosa (affectionately called Nesi). Her parents stressed the importance of a good education and Rhonda loved learning – a pursuit she continued into adulthood. Outside of school, Rhonda and her siblings enjoyed spending time at the city’s public parks and recreation centers. It was during these years, that Rhonda developed her love of sports and sense of adventure. Rhonda loved the outdoors. She especially delighted in the California mountains. She was known for her ability to identify the various mountain ranges by their shape, particularly the Santa Monica, the Verdugo and the most impressive of all, the San Gabriel. Ever the lover of nature, Rhonda learned the names, shapes and purposes of clouds and could forecast the weather with near accuracy by the type of cloud. Her favorites are the big fluffy and near to earth cumulus clouds. Rhonda said that her most fond memories of her “Golden State” are the topography, climate and the rich and unique architectural designs.
Rhonda met the love of her life, Lamont E. Blakely at a neighborhood skating rink in Los Angeles. Their love was instantaneous, and they married in 1976. With Lamont, Rhonda achieved one of her greatest dreams – to be a Mother. Together she and Lamont had three wonderful children, Anthony, Lamont Jr. (Monte), and Jimmia Joy. Rhonda was a fiercely devoted mother. Nothing gave her greater happiness than her children.
Rhonda was a go-getter, relentlessly pursing every goal until she accomplished it. While raising her children, she went back to school attending California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA). In 1982, while Lamont was stationed at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii, Rhonda attended and graduated from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. She often joked that it took her 11 years to earn a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree by sheer perseverance.
The family endured multiple Permanent Changes of Station (they moved a lot) and prolonged ship deployments. They enjoyed being stationed in various cities and traveling became part of their military lifestyle. The highlight of this for Rhonda was their three years in Hawaii. There she learned jazz dancing, golf, tennis, and joined many competitive leagues and won several trophies in different sports. Rhonda often said that family life was wonderful in Hawaii. It was here, she said that she excelled in the role of motherhood. She dedicated herself to her family and everyone thrived in love and The Blakely’s grew into a tight-knit family unit.
Rhonda loved to keep in good physical condition and worked out tirelessly. She took classes in nutrition, physical fitness and became a personal trainer, training clients at both the YWCA in Washington, DC and the Sport and Health Clubs in Maryland. Her competitive nature led her to body building and in early 2001 Rhonda trained for months, entered and became a winner in the 40-50 age Body-Building Championship.
Ever the adventurer, after seeing that their children were educated and independent, Rhonda became a certified SCUBA diver. Her most exotic dive was at the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. She also liked shipwreck diving in the St. Lawrence River in Canada, exploring the warm waters of Hawaii, much of the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, and she even dared a shark dive in the Bahamas.
In 2004, Rhonda became Vice President of Global Affairs with United World Missions and travelled with its missionary ministry as its international representative serving the needs of Orphanages in Kenya, Haiti, Jamaica, the Philippines, Dominican Republic, and India.
Rhonda’s pursuit of education was unending. She was known to always have a project underway. In 2012, Rhonda undertook the pursuit of yet another goal – that of becoming a professional baker. She studied at the Washington DC Culinary Arts School and became an avid baker. Rhonda created delicious high-end bakery goods and treats for her family, friends and special occasions. She developed a client list of some of Washington, DC’s most well-known event and party planners.
An active parishioner at St. Camillus Catholic Church, Rhonda served as a team leader in its faith formation ministry: Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). She enjoyed being a lector during Sunday Mass and delivering Meals on Wheels in the Silver Spring community. She also participated with fellow parishioners on Habitat for Humanity projects. She formally received her Holy sacraments at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and during a Holy Land tour she experienced being re-baptized in the River Jordan. Rhonda continued her studies and graduated from Virginia Christian University and received a diploma in Bible Studies.
Rhonda’s fondest memories:
Rhonda with her brother and sister would dream up outdoor adventures called “capers” to do for countless hours of cost-free fun. “Chappie and Nesi – please know that there was absolutely nothing I would have traded for those days that we grew up together. I so thank you guys, my heart is yours.”
They could make a party out of almost any occasion - had nut parties (almonds, walnuts, etc.), ice cream float parties, sardines with crackers parties, and endless outdoor adventure outings that showed me by example how to establish a lasting family foundation that served to foster the same well-being in my children. “I thank you Mama and Dad. From this great upbringing, I was able to instill this concept of structure and foundation needed for family growth as a precious gift to all my children, and them to their children. I thank you God.”
The friendship and camaraderie of her good friends in Maryland, whose relationship spans 30-40 years. Rhonda mentions by name Brenda Heath, Bernice A. Bennett, Evelyn J. B. Brewster, and Amber E. Bullock. “Together we shared many gatherings/conversations that motivated and sustained each other through life’s peaks and valleys, the many wonderful holiday events where we entertained our families and welcomed others to join us in celebration, and watched with satisfaction as our children grew into adulthood. Girlfriends – you have been truly “Amazing”. I love you all”
Most important of all is the beautifully genuine married life Rhonda shared with her husband Lamont. Long ago she authored and sent him a handmade greeting card entitled My True and Everlasting Mate declaring her love for him. She credits Lamont with helping to shape her into the woman she was by allowing her personality to flourish, providing for the family, and encouraging her to be the ever-dutiful mother and wife and all she could be for her family. Rhonda was thrilled to be able to extend this same God-given gift of motherhood toward the nurturing of their granddaughter, Kayla. “I thank you Lamont, you are my dearest love.”
Rhonda’s only daughter and youngest child Jimmia Joy Blakely preceded her from this life. This was “a loss so significant” that shattered her emotionally. She said that it was but by the Grace of God, she found comfort in the fullness and completeness of her relationship with Joy. “O, My Sweetheart Joy – I was never the same without you. I thank you and Zaki for giving us Kayla. I have loved her with the same intensity that I loved you so.”
Rhonda is survived by her beloved and devoted husband Lamont Sr; their sons Anthony Blakely of St. Petersburg, FL and Lamont Jr. (Kristie) of Crofton, MD, her four granddaughters Nicole Rigsby of Orlando, FL, Juliana Grace Blakely and Isabella Joy Blakely (Lamont Jr), and Kayla Cheyenne Blakely Woodyard (Jimmia Joy). Rhonda’s son-in-law, Zaki (Jimmia Joy) and her siblings Dr. James L. (Chappie) Mason of Portland, OR and Rosa (Nesi) Mason of St. Petersburg, FL, the matriarch of her family, her second cousin “Aunt” Oneida Gallerson of Seattle, WA, and most of all, her favorite aunts, Lugine Givens and Faith Givens, both of Los Angeles, CA, her loving cousins Bunny Kaiser of Panama, and Jackie Givens of Los Angeles, California. She also leaves behind many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews, her Kung-Fu family and a legion of friends, neighbors and members of the Good Hope Union United Methodist Church.
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