Dorothy W. Rhynehardt

RhynehardtDorothy

Dorothy West Rhynehardt, age 85, was born August 29, 1934 in Davie County, North Carolina, to Edwin Leroy and Mary Ethel West, who preceded her in death. The Lord sent an angel in the morning hours of March 21, 2020 and called her home.

Dorothy (known by many as Mom Rhynehardt) was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, James Edward Rhynehardt, whom she met during high school. Jim and Dorothy were married on August 11, 1952 in Chesterfield, South Carolina. To this union, six children were born. Her first child, James Edward Rhynehardt, Jr., was born in 1953 and with everlasting heartbreak; Dorothy endured her eldest son preceding her in death on May 26, 1972.

Dorothy grew up in the south where gospel music was an integral part of community life. At the age of 8, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized in a little creek located in a small country community in Davie County, North Carolina.

She also lived in Winston Salem, North Carolina and served as the musician for the Sunday School at Shiloh Baptist Church. Dorothy moved back to “the country” in her youth and served as a musician for the Cedar Creek Baptist Church (her home church).

During the 1950’s, North Carolina was a favorite place for gospel singers to visit and was known for its family gospel groups. The West and Eaton families had their own family group and Dorothy grew up singing with her mother, sister and aunts in a group called the Cedar Creek Gospel Singers. They sang in churches in and around Winston-Salem.

Dorothy transferred her membership to the Oakley Baptist Church in November 1974 and immediately joined the Wonderful Grace Choir. She has served in various capacities in the music ministry, including Director of the Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, Missionary Choir, Mass Choir and the Christmas Cantata.
A lover of music, her favorite hymn was Blessed Assurance.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;

To say that Dorothy was an excellent cook would be an understatement. Her love and skill for cooking allowed her to bless many. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving and she set a spread that could not be rivaled and included everyone’s favorite dish. Mom did not like Facebook but was surprised that so many waited on the annual picture of the table posted by her grandson, Chris. Mom Rhynehardt also prepared many meals and organized cookouts for “those Deltas girls” as she called the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Once even breaking her oven while cooking sixty pound cakes for a Delta fundraiser for Regina.She spent her working years preparing meals for the children in schools operated by Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Dorothy leaves to mourn her children: Deborah Rhynehardt (Henry) Pickens, Sandra Kaye (Timothy) Ragland, Brenda Yvonne Rhynehardt, Kenneth Leroy Rhynehardt (Sherry Hamilton), and Regina R. (Julian) Harper; grandchildren, James Christopher (Terrie) Ragland, Shannon (Beth) Nicholson, William Kenneth (Aria) Ragland, II, Brannon Earl Pickens (Monica Sou), Chantell Ragland, Jamil Salim Pickens, and Knoelle Loren Smith-Rhynehardt; great-grandchildren, James Christopher “JC” Ragland, II, Nia Chanel Ragland, William Kenneth Ragland, III, Braleena Lovella Pickens, Raynon Adele-Marie Pickens, Alexander Lee Ragland, Antonio Desmond Ragland, Alaia Kylen Pickens; brother, Gilbert H. (Connie) West; uncle, Henry P. Eaton; sister/aunt, Betty Jean Eaton; sister/cousin, Ernestine Brooks; her closest extended family Pearle Glasco and daughter, Jasmine Glasco-Armstrong; Erica Grimes and children, Jaden Thompson, Chloe and Sydney Grimes; her Oakley church family and a host relatives and friends.

Dorothy joins her parents, husband James, son James Jr. and her siblings Edwin Jr. and Betty Ruth Morse in that special place, where everyday will be Sunday and Sabbath will have no end. We can see her now, walking around heaven, directing the heavenly choir to ensure three-part harmony, and praising her Savior all the day long.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church, 3415 El Paso Drive. Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.

Condolence Messages

  1. Jerry and Teresa Carter

    Mom Rhynehardt what a blessing she was to the entire Carter family; especially looking out for Momma (Emma J. Carter) who loved her, Jim and the rest of the family and considered them a part of the Carters. There are 1,000s of memories that flashed through my mind when I heard of your flight. Praying that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard the hearts and minds of the family and all of those whose lives you touched in Christ Jesus. May they be comforted like only the God of all comfort can provide. You are gone but not only will you not be forgotten but you have left such a tremendous imprint upon the lives of countless souls. With prayers and love, RIH

    • Charles, AD, Adryanna, & Christianna Brown

      Our Family mourns with the Rhynehardt Family. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rhynehardt have always treated my wife and children like we also belonged to them. Momma D was so much like an extended Mother, who rooted for my successes too. As a youth, her Spirit, Voice, and at times “Tone” was praise to my ears. So Strong, So Proud, So Loving. She will be missed. Rest in Peace…

      Love Charles

  2. Gone but never forgotten RIH Love you Mother Rhynehardt!

  3. My Condolences to the Rhynehardt family. MOM Will be surely missed. My Prayers are with you!
    CHARLES WALKER

  4. Lisa Dalton-Robinson

    Mom Rhynehardt know that I will miss you. Thank you for including me as one of your own. You called me “a cook’s joy” because I ate EVERYTHING you set before me. You will always be forever in my heart. Rest well Mom your children are the best legacy and I am glad they too are my family.

  5. Hobson & Anita Bethune

    Praying that God would comfort the family and rejoicing that Mother Rhynehardt is with our savior!

  6. Joe Warren West

    Auntie Dot, you are truly an Angel and will be missed, the Family mourns the loss but know we too must go that way. So save a spot for us and we will see you again, tell Uncle Bo and Junebug we will see them too. From all in the “country”,love you and rest in peace.

  7. Giving you all our love ❤️ and prayers .. The Lord has gained an angel to look over you and your family. Here for you always. Love the Williams Family

  8. Regina, My sincere prayers and condolences to you and your family during this time. May God’s peace and love comfort you.
    Sisterly, Trenna Ross

  9. Rev Vanetta L. Bellows

    Condolences to Mom Rhynehardt’s family and friends. She showed love to everyone she came in contact with. I will be ever grateful that God let our paths cross. Blessings to you all.

  10. Shirley Scott Crowner

    To the family ..Years of love. Joy of memory. Thank God for cousin Dorothy. Our family set the way for us to follow. They raised us and mentored us. And showed us. They walked through things and gained strength through God to pass to these generations. Rest well cousin and we know we have another angel watching over. To the family the love of God and your mother will encase you and comfort you in days ahead. And remember family is praying for you too.

  11. Regina, Condolences to you and your family!

  12. Glasetta Barksdale

    Sorors Deborah and Regina, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace and strength that you seek during this time. Mom Rhynehardt will truly be missed.

  13. To the entire family. The Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church family extends our deepest condolences during this most difficult time. Dorothy will never be forgotten. We pray that God will give you strength to face the days ahead. She has left a legacy that will always be cherish Ed. We love you, Cedar Creek Baptist Church Family.

  14. My condolences to Brenda Rhynehart and family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

  15. To Regina and the family of the late Dorothy W. Rhynehardt,

    And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
    Revelations 21:4
    In sorrow and prayer,
    Marsha Mack
    Grand Conductress
    Eureka Grand Chapter, OES, State of New York

    • Joshua & Cheriese Davis and family

      Grandma Rhynehardt was a true women of God that not only raise her family but assist with others. Her smile and joy was priceless. I thank her children for allow the world the opportunity to learn wisdom, love, joy, happiness and stories that will live on throughout history. We will be praying with you and know that God has her in his hands! Be blessed!

  16. Tim and Sandra,

    Condolences to you and your family. Heaven has received an angel. Thank you for sharing this journey.
    Dr. Robin A Jones

  17. Elder Mary Armstrong GAC Prince Hall Grand Chapter Order of The Eastern Star State of Connecticut, Inc

    The promises of our Lord “I go to prepare a place for you that where I am you may be also”
    In those words there’s a prepared place for a prepared people. Your Mother was prepared as her legacy says: “May the life I live speak for me.
    Her life spoke volumes of much fruit.
    Be assured she is at peace with our Savior.
    She answered His call come on home from labor to rest. Well done good & faithful servant.
    My sister Regina. Her spirit remains with you all

  18. Carolyn Dishmon

    Regina, my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God grant you all peace and comfort during this difficult time of sorrow. Praying for you and the family.
    Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
    Love you my sister.
    Carolyn Dishmon

  19. Mrs. Opal M Walker

    To the Rhynehardt family. My deepest condolences for your loss of your loved one Dorothy Rhynehardt. Love and Blessings to all.
    She openeth her mouth with WISDOM and her tongue was the law of KINDNESS .
    Proverbs 31:26

  20. Genevieve and Jim Lifter

    Our hearts go out to the family at this time. She always had a kind word and a smile that lit up every room she entered. She is loved and missed by all.

    In our hearts and prayers always.
    Genevieve and Jim

  21. PBS- Nu Chapter

    Praying that burdens will be lighter to bear. Speaking strength and growth into the lives of the friends and family.

  22. Michelle Malone

    You have my deepest sympathy

  23. My condolences to the Rhynehart family. May the BLESSINGS OF GOD continue to rain down on you all providing comfort, strength and love.

  24. My sincerest condolences to the entire family and friends. She is a Hilltop Treasure. Continued prayers that the Holy Spirit will provide comfort and peace. Please let me know how I may support you.
    Love,
    Marcia White

  25. Tracy L. Craig

    Dearest Sorors Regina and Deborah, to your sisters Sandra and Brenda, and your brother Kenny– Words cannot express the heaviness I feel today, seeing this announcement and knowing that Mom Rhynehardt has gone home. The sadness and tears come as I reflect on all the family times that I shared on the West Side. I was new to Columbus then, and desperately missed my family miles away. But Mom Rhynehardt reminded me of home. Her loving smile and warmth was always what I needed to chase away the clouds. And her door was never closed. At any hour, she took in the Delta girls, and I was glad to be in the number. And she always had a relish tray.

    To each of you, her wonderful children, you are the fruit of her tree. The Bible tells us that we will know a tree by the fruit it bears (Luke 6:43-45). So we rejoice now, for we know the end of this beautiful story. We now see the glorious fruit and the majesty of her branches. Mom Rhynehardt was a wonderful woman of wisdom and grace, and I am grateful that she touched my life and mothered me along her way. I am rejoicing with you today, because Mom’s life was rich and well-lived and from this tree, life springs eternal.

    I love you all– Gina, Debbie, SanSan, Bren and Big Ken. And I wish you peace at this truly trying time.

    Sisterly,
    Tracy (Washington) Craig & Family
    STRON J

  26. Nathaniel Thomas

    She will definitely be missed but never forgotten!
    Momma we love you!!!❤️

  27. I can hear her singing Blessed Assurance now. She is an amazing Woman of God. My prayers are with the entire family. Love you all.

  28. A great mother and woman of God will be greatly missed. Praying for you all.
    The Redd Family

  29. Ernestine Brooks

    WITH DEEP SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY , DOROTHY WAS AN AMAZING WOMAN, WHO HAD LOVE FOR EVERYONE. WE WILL MISS OUR THURSDAY CALLS AND SOMETIMES BEFORE THURSDAY. THIS HAS BEEN SO HARD TO ACCEPT, BUT GOD KNOWS BEST. I KNOW SHE IS SINGING HER HEART OUT, AND I HOPE EVERY ONE HAS THE CORRECT TUNE BECAUSE IF NOT SHE WILL STOP EVERYONE UNTIL IT IS RIGHT. WE LOVE YOU ALL. SISTER/AUNT AND SISTER/COUSIN. TINA AND JEAN.

  30. Margarita Portalatin

    May she rest in Heaven always. My deepest condolences to the family my heart goes out to you all and my prayers.

  31. Tina Marie Jones-Green

    May the peace of God keep you, comfort you, hold you, rock you, strengthen you and love you during this time and the days to come. Continue to look to God to guide you and in due time, he will take the hurt from the pain you all are having right now. I love you Regina and stand with you miles away.

  32. Steven L. Carr

    It was a pleasure to work with Dorthy at Franklin County Development Disabilities West Central School. Another Angel has earned their wings. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.

  33. Kimberly Gentry-Westbrook

    Mom Rhynehardt I can not express how much you made an impact in my life through music, heartfelt private conversations, always opening you door and giving nothing but true unconditional love to me. I know that you never stopped praying for me.
    I will always remember you an keep you in my heart.Plus those homemade rolls will never be the same. You named me Kimmi.
    Love you Always

  34. Deidria L Collins

    My Sistar Regina and family, I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman. I pray God’s comforter be with you!

  35. Bernadine Thurn

    Knowing Dottie through her job at FCBDD, I learned that she was definitely a force to be reckoned with. I could always count on her to tell me what was on her mind, good or bad. But she also had a heart of pure gold. Anything that needed to be done for the kids at school, she would always make sure it was done right, going over and above. Still remember those legendary fresh rolls Dottie would bake up for the Thanksgiving celebration.

  36. Rest in Heaven Mother Rhynehardt! Missing you so much.But your spirit will be with all your family including your church family.

  37. My condolences to the Rhynehardt family on the loss of your dear mother. May God comfort you and give you peace at this difficult time. Praying for you all! Love, the Lyles family

  38. Brenda Y Hammonds

    To the Rhynehardt family you have my Condolence. Dorothy had a beautiful smile and a southern personality that she carried with her which I will miss. However, heaven has another wonderful soul in it’s midst. A soul that was getting ready from an early age for this time in so many ways. A Godly woman is at rest. During this time of lost physically, she still lives in your and many more hearts forever. May God be with you during this mournful time.

  39. Condolences from the Potts family! Mush respect for that family!

    • Dorothy’s legacy runs rich and deep. She was an amazing woman who was adored and will be greatly missed. I am sending peace, love and caring thoughts while sharing in your sadness during this time of loss. May you find some comfort in knowing how loved and admired she was by so many.

      Love,
      Cathy

  40. Patricia Anderson

    On behalf of the Anderson-Thompson family, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Rhynehardt family. We loved Mom Rhynehardt and were BLESSED to have her love us too! When we stepped foot in her home, we were loved, fed, and prayed for. She is in heaven! May her memories and legacy live on in each of you!

  41. Hubert A West Jr

    May the Father be the glory and lifter up of your heads at this time. Condolences on the loss of Cousin Dorothy. May the memories of the life she lived strengthen the family.

  42. Mr. @ Mrs. Hugh Spikes

    Condolence from the Spikes family, Mom you will truly be missed .

  43. Mama Rynehardt, you will be greatly be missed by Michael and I. Although, we only knew you for a short while, it seemed like a lifetime.Your beautiful smile and kind words were infectious! That pound cake though! When you blessed me with my very own cake, I didn’t share it with anyone! Your presence will be missed at Oakley. To the family…cherish your memories, lean on one another for healing, call upon your village. We are here and we love you all. She is Resting in Heaven and at Perfect Peace.

  44. Shelley d sellars

    My thoughts and prayers to the
    Rhynehardt family.
    Brenda, you have my deepest sympathy.
    I treasured the times that I spent with you all. Your mother was a very sweet lady, and she will be sadly missed. God needed an angel, so he chose maw maw, to be with paw paw.
    I will always remember her saying “where you been all my life’???
    Rest in heaven!!!

  45. Michael T. and Zandra Johnson

    Our deepest condolences to the Rhynehardt family.
    Mother will be greatly missed. We shall cherish her memories of love in our hearts. The thoughts of her loving kindness towards us will never be forgotten. May the peace of God rest upon you and your family during this time of bereavement. We are here for you.

    We love you all!

  46. Deaconess Bertha Howard

    To the entire Rhynehardt family I extend my prayers, condolences and love. Sister Rhynehardt was such a blessing to me an the entire Oakley family. We served at Oakley many, many years together. Her presence will be dearly missed. May God grant you His strength and peace today and in the days to come. Rest in Him Sister Rhynehardt.
    Deaconess Bertha Howard & Family

  47. Loved Mrs. Rhynehardt and her beautiful smile. She was such an inspirational vocalist while ministering at the Oakley Baptist Church. I will always have fond memories. My condolences to the family.

  48. To the Rynehardt Family,

    Blessed Assurance, that your mother is in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Praying for your comfort and continued understanding ,during this time in your lives.

    Prayfully,
    Karen Scott

  49. Marilyn Howard

    Deborah and Sandra:

    I had no idea your wonderful mother died. I would have been blessed and honored to have helped you send her home. She was beautiful inside and out, and I am more sorry than I can say. I will always remember her wonderful baking and sitting in her kitchen helping her snap green beans from the garden.

    I, too, have lost both my parents, and I now how bereft you must be. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Marilyn Howard

    P.S. Someone sang Blessed Assurance at my mom’s homecoming, too.

  50. Marilyn K Howard

    Sandra and Deborah, I had no idea that your mom died. It would have been an honor to help you all send her home. She was a wonderful, beautiful, vivacious woman–always so kind and welcoming. And what a cook and baker! Jim was so proud of her, and always bragged about her–her beauty, kindness, prowess in the kitchen–that he looked like his mother. (She once told me that down south they said it was good luck if boys looked like their mothers and daughters like their fathers.) When I visited her in the summer, she often enlisted my help in snapping green beans. I will always remember that.

    I’ve lost both my parents, too, so I know how deep your sorrow is. Please accept my belated condolences, and know that your mother will be fondly remembered by me and so many, many other people.

    P.S. We sang Blessed Assurance at mom’s home going. She loved that song!

    • Marilyn
      Thank you fir your condolences. Mom passed right when COVID-19 restrictions entered after battling pancreatic cancer for several years.

      We miss her; she was definitely a strong woman. We remember and use her tidbits of knowledge daily.

      Thanks for reaching out.

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