Rhonda Patricia Keyes Pleasants
CFSP, CCO
Rhonda Patricia Keyes Pleasants was born in Washington, D.C., May 30, 1964, the youngest child of Robert Lee Keyes (deceased) and Shirley Jean Moore Keyes. She is the baby sister to Tyrone, Karen (deceased), Mitzi, and Gisele. She enjoys being an aunt, great aunt, and Godmother who imparts wisdom and laughter. Rhonda is the wife of 35 years to Charles W. Pleasants, Jr. and the mother to Jaleesa, a special education teacher and Adam Michael, a Doctor of Physical Therapy Student.
Rhonda was educated in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools then matriculated at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Office Automation Management in December 1988. She furthered her education at John Tyler Community College, earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Services in May 2000. Additionally, Rhonda has a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Science from the University of Richmond (2006), a Master of Disaster Science Degree from the University of Richmond (2007) and a Certificate in Christian Ministry from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond (2009). A life-long learner, Rhonda has completed doctorate level courses in Higher Education Transformative Leadership as well as master’s level courses in Public Health-Community Education.
A Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2000, Rhonda is the Managing Funeral Director of the Henry W. Dabney Funeral Home, Inc. in Ashland, Virginia. She is a former Associate Professor of Funeral Services at John Tyler Community College where she was employed for 15 years and served as the Funeral Services Program Department Chair for 5 years. She earned the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation in 2014 and is a Certified Crematory Operator (CCO). She also owned and operated Miracle Leasing Company, Richmond’s Premier Livery Service, for 10 years.
Seeing a need to assist students who were having a difficult time passing the National Board Exam for Funeral Service, Rhonda is the founder, coordinator and an instructor of the Funeral Service Institute for Public Policies, Inc. National Board Exam Review Course. Since its inception in July 2017, Rhonda has tutored over 300 students who are preparing to sit for the National Board Exam for funeral service.
Rhonda’s professional affiliations include the Virginia Morticians’ Association, Inc., (Past President and Board Chair, current Assistant Treasurer), Richmond Funeral Directors Association, Inc. (President), Ladies Auxiliary of the Richmond Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. (Former Education Commissioner), 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, and a life member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.
Rhonda is a member of Sixth Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. where she enjoys praise dancing and singing with the E.L. Fleming Gospel Chorus. At Sixth Baptist, she was the church Secretary/Clerk for several years, and has served as a Brownie Scout Leader, Member and Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee as well as Director of Vacation Bible School.
Since 1993, Rhonda has been a proud member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. where she has served as Gamma Delta Chapter President, and Eastern Regional Journalist. Additional community involvement includes the Darbytown Meadows HOA (Vice President), Henrico County Medical Reserve Corps and the East Marshall Street Well Project (Chair, Family Representative Council and Co-Chair, Memorialization and Interment Implementation Committee). She is also a member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Project Gabriel Commission and a friend of the Henrico County Public Library.
Rhonda’s favorite saying is: “Lord, I’m available to you; Use me Lord!”