Jerlean Rhodes Martin

In the early morning (1:04 am) on January 11, 2026, Jerlean Faye Martin at the age of 71, transitioned while in Hospice care at Guggenheimer Rehabilitation. Her final days she was compassionately cared for under Nayar Health Care due to a stroke.

Jerlean was born February 28th, 1954. She was the eldest daughter of Alex and Betty Rhodes of Huddleston Va. Her siblings were Clifton Rhodes Sr.(deceased) wife (Thelma) (deceased), Marvin Rhodes, wife (Lois), Wayne Rhodes (Carol) (deceased) and Janice Rhodes Burdette (deceased).

At the age of 20 on May 17th, 1974, she married William Irvine Martin, and with whom mothered William Irvine Martin Jr., and Latracia Shervon Martin (deceased 2018). Jerlean had a forthright personality. She didn’t mind expressing her views on any matter. She enjoyed laughing, and reminiscing of past times with friends and family. Jerlean could remember childhood stories that few could, and give details before her sickness. She would spend hours on the phone with her sister Janice and her close friends. If you wanted to know what was going on Jerlean could tell you. After the loss of her husband, she spent most of her years rearing her children and being around family. Jerlean loved to cook southern food and ate her southern cooking often. Fried chicken, potato salad, and homemade cakes (lemon). and yes she knew her way around in the kitchen. Her other hobbies were shopping and listening to music. She had a beautiful singing voice and one song comes to mind was Higher Ground. Her faith in Christ was planted by her mother Betty Rhodes who spoke and prayed for Jerlean often. She will be missed by all those who cared and loved her…mostly and deeply missed by her only son William.

She was preceded in death by her mother Betty Rhodes (deceased 2024) her sister Janice Rhodes Burdette (deceased 2018), and daughter Latracia Shervon Martin (deceased 2018)

The family would like to express their thanks to Guggenheimer for tireless hours of care over a decade for Jerlean. May Our Sovereign God bless each nurse, staff, visiting friend, church member, and gentle prayer warrior who showed any act of love. The Father never forgets your act of kindness and labor of love. Let us continually pray for and reach out to William (Bill Jr.) as he closes this chapter and begins a new journey. So many gone from our midst and so few remain.

A memorial service and celebration of Jerlean’s life will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel in Bedford. To send condolences online visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.