Rhonda Jean Nelson, 61, of Arab, Alabama, passed away at her home under the care of Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in the early morning hours of Friday, March 6, 2026. Born December 16, 1964, in Madison County, Rhonda was a much-loved daughter of James Wesley Hopkins and Geraldean Ricketts Hopkins. She had recently moved from the Cotaco Community in Somerville, AL, to the Arab area.
A woman of Baptist faith, Rhonda will be remembered for her deep love for her daughters and her grandchildren. Rhonda enjoyed sharing time with her family and friends, always welcoming company to join her on the front porch, just to sit and visit or maybe to enjoy a good cup of coffee. She loved browsing at yard sales and cleaning her home.
Rhonda is survived by her daughters, Rhonda Gail Lemley, Jennifer Ann Ginn (Marty Beason), and Tiffany Lynn Pendergrass (Walter); son, Rusty Hyatt; grandchildren, Dalton, Olivia, Michael, Jordan, Ariel, Benjamin, Sylvia, Julia, Levi, Marie, Kim and Anita; great grandchildren, Hunter, Zach, Carson, Bella, Lanie and Brileigh; brothers, Roger Hopkins and Ricky Hopkins; and sister, Florence Orear.
She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Geraldean Hopkins; brothers, James Hopkins and Marty Wayne Hopkins; sister, Vicky Lynn Hopkins; and former husband, George Hyatt.
Services for Rhonda will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be on Thursday evening, March 12, 2026 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service will be Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 am. Brother Rob Peavy and Brother Rusty Hyatt will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Union Grove, AL. Dalton Campbell, Benjamin Beason, Corbin Raines, Wayne Horton, Timothy Hopkins and Ryder Casteele will serve as pallbearers. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.
