Obituary of Rhoda Thomas

Rhoda Thomas, Retired Police Corporal, was born in Camden, NJ to the late Walter Thomas and Elvira Brooks-Wilson. She departed this life on Thursday, September26, 2024. Rhoda was educated in the Camden City school system and was an alumni of Woodrow Wilson High School class of 1976. Upon graduation from high school Rhoda attended Rutgers, the State University of NJ, New Brunswick campus. She continued to explore additional educational opportunities and holds an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Camden County College. In 1983 Rhoda joined the Camden City Public School system as a substitute teacher where she was a positive and respected presence for the students. Ms. Thomas was an effective teacher, and the students loved her, but she wanted to do more for the community that helped shape her life. That desire caused her to be resolved to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a police officer. Ms. Thomas entered the City of Camden, State of New Jersey, and Police Academy in 1985. She endured the rigorous training by staying focused and maintaining a positive mental attitude. Officer Thomas graduated from the Camden Police Academy on April 3, 1986, becoming the first African American and only second female in the City of Camden. The historical significance of Rhoda's accomplishment did not go unnoticed. Her graduation from the Police Academy was covered by the Courier Post newspaper and local news channels ABC, CBS, and NBC. She served twenty-five exemplary years as an officer in a variety of roles including foot patrol, vice squad, bike patrol, and on the security detail for Mayor Dana Redd. She retired from the Police Department in the spring of 2011 but continued to serve the City of Camden in a new capacity. Rhoda became a trusted aide to Mayor Redd and served as the Director of the Office of Prevention and Re-Entry. She worked to help newly released inmates re-integrate into society and working with at-risk youths to assist them with stay on the right path. In 2011 Rhoda was honored as Part of the Generation of Women Whose Commitment Has Proved Invaluable To Our Society, Ms. Rhoda Thomas has unselfishly given her time as a dedicated law enforcement officer who has served and protected communities throughout the City of Camden for more than 30-years. She was a true trailblazer in the City of Camden she will be truly missed. After leaving these positions, Rhoda continued to provide security services to various security firms, including Universal Security and Rowan University. As an entrepreneur, Rhoda created RThomas Construction, an MBE/WBE certified construction supplier of which she was the Chief Executive Officer. Her son, Damir Hart, is the Chief of Operations. Rhoda loved spending time with her family especially crabbing with her brother. Barbeques and laughing with her family brought her so much joy. Shopping was another passion. She turned a room in her home into a closet. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Thomas and Elvira Brooks-Wilson; siblings, Charlotte Searles and Frederick Thomas; and nieces, Sha-lon and Jaz'Mir Thomas. Rhoda is survived by her son, Damir Hart, daughter-in-law Melinda Hart, brothers: Wayne Thomas and Howard Thomas, host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.