Marcelle E. Rhodriquez Obituary (1922 - 2020)

Marcelle Eleanor Rhodriquez of Nassau, Bahamas was born July 14, 1922 in Miami, Florida to the late Honorable Charles Rhodriquez and Ismay Cleare Rhodriquez. She devoted her time to teaching, learning, traveling and giving back to the community. After graduating high school in Nassau, Marcelle moved to the United States to attend college. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida A&M University with a major in Commercial Science. As a student, Marcelle was an active participant in the Business Guild, the Dormitory Council, Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society and Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated from Florida A&M University with Greater Distinction. Following graduation she accepted a position as secretary in the Department of Personnel at Jackson College, in Jackson, Mississippi. While at Jackson College, she served as co-sponsor of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society and sponsor of the undergraduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was one of the persons instrumental in establishing the Delta Pi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Jackson College. Marcelle received her Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Guidance with a minor in Business Education from Indiana University. Upon completion of this work, she joined the staff of Savannah State College in September of 1957. While working at Savannah State College, she was a member of La Treizieme Chaise Social Club, Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Marcelle later taught at Florida Memorial College in Miami, Florida. While working at Florida Memorial, Marcelle assisted in the sponsorship of the undergraduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Marcelle held membership in the following professional organizations: The American College Personnel and Guidance Association, American College Personnel Association, Georgia Teacher Education Association and the International Business Education Association. Her hobbies were reading, bridge, and traveling. She has seen most of the United States and many foreign countries. Her travels abroad include Cuba, Jamaica, Canada, Alaska, Europe, England, Holland, Belgium, Lpxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy (Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa) Paris, France and Israel. Marcelle later returned to Nassau, Bahamas to care for her father and taught at the College of the Bahamas. She served as a faculty honor marshal for the College of the Bahamas annual commencement exercise. Marcelle retired in 1992 having completed 17 years of service. In 2009, she was recognized by the Bahamas National Pan-Hellenic Council for more than 25 years of service and significant contributions to the community as an outstanding Greek Member. On July 31, 2020, Marcelle was called to be with the Lord after a long battle with Alzheimer's while being cared for by her loving family in Richmond, VA for over 10 years. She was 98 years old. Marcelle was preceded in death by her parents, Senator Charles and Ismay Rhodriquez. Siblings: Delores Rhodriquez Banks, Sylvia Rhodriquez Delaney, Reginald Rhodriquez and Charles Godfrey Rhodriquez. Marcelle leaves to cherish many nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved friends, past students, God-daughter, Donna Smith and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., sisters. She has left such a legacy that will be cherished and etched in our memory and hearts forever. A Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2020 Mimms Chapel at 3:00pm. Interment Nassau Bahamas. Watch webcast for Marcelle E. Rhodriquez: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1082891