Mr. Clarence Ellsworth Rhone, Sr.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept my faith. Henceforth there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not me only but all of them but unto all of them also that love his appearing." ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) Clarence Ellsworth Rhone Sunrise: 3-27-1941 Sunset:9-17-2024 This obituary shares the life and beliefs of Clarence Ellsworth Rhone, a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. Clarence was an honorable man that was a pillar of his community and a strong foundation for his family and friends. Clarence, also affectionately known as "RHONE, Dad, Granddad, Jelly, and Rodan" was born on March 27, 1941, in Washington, DC to Ellsworth Rhone and Fannie Mary McCain-Carraway. He was the second of twelve children. On the morning of September 17, 2024, at the age of 83 with his loving wife of 44 years at his side, the Lord sent His Angels to escort his servant home. Clarence's spiritual roots spawned when was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. He was a true believer and would always remind others with his personal quote, "GOD Got us All." Clarence received his education within the DC public school system. In 1979, he met the love of his life, Linda Smith-Rhone. They married in May of 1980 and from that union Corey Rhone was born, and a beautiful, blended family to include Clarence Rhone Jr. and Troy Smith Sr. was created. As a very young man he learned to work hard and developed an uncompromising work ethic to support his family. Clarence was employed at The Washington Post as a printer, The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority "METRO" as a bus mechanic, and stock clerk for 30 years until his retirement in 2003. Clarence returned to work part time at 7Eleven convenience stores and Safeway Foods in Clinton, MD., before hanging up his hat in 2014. Clarence had a profound passion for music, dancing and singing every chance he could. You could often find him walking for exercise along Allentown Road, in his garage, or around the house listening to his collection of albums and cassettes for hours or, playing his electronic handheld Solitaire game. A few of his all-time favorite musicians included: Otis Redding, Al Green, and The O'Jays. The song "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly & Maze was his favorite dance tune. He also enjoyed cooking, baking, watching classic movies and television programs, as well as bird watching. Clarence had a sense of humor all his own - bringing smiles and endless laughter to all that he encountered. He loved spending quality time with family and friends, all while sharing knowledge and encouraging the youth in his community. Clarence was a strong, proud, and confident man. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a progressive case of Dementia, which he continued to battle over an 8-year period. Through this, he continued to remain strong and vibrant and proved that his physical state was not a sign of weakness, but more of strength and endurance. His life will be remembered as one rich in sharing, loving and caring. Clarence was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, and a man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Clarence was a good Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grand Father, Brother, and Uncle who always took time to teach, guide, and instill positive values in each of them. He is loved and will be missed by many! He is preceded in death by his parents: Ellsworth Rhone and Fannie Mary McCain-Carraway. His Siblings: Clifton "Pete" Rhone, Maxine Haliburton, Janice Jirau, Leroy "Skeeter" Rhone, Nancy Rhone, as well as his stepmother, Delores "Lois" Rhone, and stepbrother James "Bobby" Crawford. Left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted Wife, Linda Rhone. His sisters: Barbara Simons, Diane Major, Denise McCain, Francine McCain and Joyce Bridges; Brother Benjamin (Linda) McCain. His sons: Clarence Rhone Jr., Corey Rhone (Cydney), and Troy R. Smith, Sr. (Desiree). His grandchildren: Tanisha Rhone, Rashad Rhone (Dominique), Caanan Rhone, LaShauna Belay, Zyaire Neal, Troy R. Smith Jr., Amon Ford, and Alaija Rhone. His Great-grandchildren: Nasir Belay, Olivia Bradley, Mateo Rhone, and Tamia Corbett, close relative Roslyn Rhone, Sister-in-Christ of 44 years Jean Goodrum, Bonus Sister Daphne Chapman, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, Godchildren, caring neighbor Chris (Angie), Calvin "Bubbles" Williams, Ralph Lyons, a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved relatives and friends. A very special thanks to his loving caregivers at In Loving Hands Assisted Living: Veronica Powell and Sashauna Williams. "Carta-Carta"

Mr. Clarence Ellsworth Rhone, Sr.

March 27, 1941 - September 17, 2024