Bishop Forest Rhodes

Bishop Forest Rhodes, age 88, was born DeForest Rhodes on April 7, 1934 in Roanoke, Virginia to parents, Emmett S. Rhodes and Beatrice E. Rhodes (Brown). Bishop Forest Rhodes was called to the ministry at the young age of nine years old.

Bishop Rhodes served as a minister at the 8th Avenue Sanctified and Holy Church in Roanoke, Virginia and he was ordained to become a minister at the age of 15. He served in the United States Airforce from 1953-1957. Forest married the love of his life, Johncie Mae Rhodes (Lathon), on August 3, 1957. In 1972, he founded the Apostolic Assembly Church. In 1976, he founded and organized the foundation of the Apostolic Assembly Worldwide, Inc. The church later became Promise Land Believers Fellowship Assembly.

Bishop Rhodes earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education from the Aenon Bible College, a Master of Theology from Freelandia Institute College of Theology and a Doctorate of Theology. He served as a professor at Aenon Bible College from 1977-1984. Bishop Rhodes retired from the City of Columbus, Water Division after 34 years of service.

Bishop Rhodes was an avid reader and a student of the word. He was also was known for his dapper and debonair attire. He was a kind and loving partner to his spouse Johncie, as well as an amazing father to their five children. You never had to question if he loved or cared for you because he made it so obvious. He was a man of few words (except in the pulpit), yet he had such a strong and commanding presence. He was a dedicated family man, who was always there when you needed him.

Bishop Rhodes is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Johncie M. Rhodes; parents, Emmett S. Rhodes and Beatrice E. Rhodes; and ten siblings that included six brothers and four sisters.

Bishop Rhodes leaves behind to cherish his memory five loving children, his sons, Joseph “Joe” McGhee, James Rhodes (Rossetta), DeForest Rhodes, Jr., DeForest “Buddy” Rhodes III (Keyosha); daughter, Johncie Kanney (Cameron); sisters, June Harper and Ann Bosley (Troy); and countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends, and church family.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Celebration of Life Service 10:00 AM Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Columbus Christian Center, 2300 N. Cassady Ave.

Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.