Rhonda D. Elam

Rhonda Diane (Sutherlin) Elam, age 68, of Waxahachie, Texas, was born on February 27, 1957, in Corsicana, Texas. She passed away on September 21, 2025. Known affectionately as “Royce,” Rhonda was a beautiful, kind soul with a heart full of love and a personality that lit up any room. If she wasn’t singing along to her favorite country tunes, you could find her dancing with joy or relaxing in the kitchen with an ice-cold Red Bull in hand. Rhonda had a way of making conversation easy—no matter the time, no matter the place, she always had something to say and made everyone feel welcome. Her deep love for her family, especially her grandchildren will keep her spirit alive for generations to come. Her smile was contagious, and her warmth will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Rhonda is preceded in death by her father Gilbert Sutherlin; her brother Buddy Sutherlin; her sister Brenda Stringer Bishop; her grandson Trevor Davis; and her son-in-law Ricky Hill, Sr.

She is survived by her loving children: Bridget (Duke) Forbes and husband Jeff Forbes, Brandy (Duke) Hill and James Garza, and Heath Duke and Michelle Petty. She is also survived by her mother Bobbie Hill; grandchildren: Rickey Hill Jr., Aaron Itson, Jr., Dustin Duke, Dylan Duke, and her special “Mingles,” Brandon Hill; along with 11 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind the father of her children Donald Duke, as well as a host of extended family and cherished friends.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at New Life Worship Center, 1320 Brown St., Waxahachie, Texas 75165.

Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location, officiated by Rev. Kristal Byars, Senior Pastor of New Life Worship Center.

Burial will take place at Clay Bell Cemetery in Italy, Texas.

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