Dr. Rhonda Peeples

A shining star has been extinguished… Dr. Rhonda Nichelle Peeples died suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Our beloved Dr. Rhonda Nichelle Peeples was born on November 27, 1972 in Dayton, Ohio to Ronald Sr. & Martha (McNutt) Peeples. She graduated with honors from Trotwood Madison High School. Rhonda, being an excellent student, graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1996 and that same year, she graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with a M.A. in Education Policy & Leadership. Dr. Peeples crowning achievement was being hooded with the completion of her PhD in Education in May of 2021 from The Ohio State University. Besides starting her career as a middle school teacher and an intermediate teacher, Rhonda Peeples shined as Assistant Principal of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, NC; Principal of Georgian Heights Elementary School in Columbus, OH, Principal of Weinland Park Elementary School in Columbus, OH, Principal of Alpine Elementary School in Columbus, OH and her current position of Equity Supervisor in the Department of Equity for the Columbus City School District. When applying for her doctoral program, Rhonda was asked to list the qualities that would make her a good candidate. She replied: "As the 2017 OAESA National Distinguished Principal, I am a proven leader of educational reform in the largest urban school district in Ohio; dedicated to the continuous improvement of teacher development and student learning; highly effective in conflict resolution and team building; knowledgeable of program development and results-based accountability models; and experienced in building organizational capacity and site-based leadership." Our Rhonda was a bridge-builder and a beacon of hope for urban schools. She used her spirit, her strength and her service to ensure success! Her noted achievements include: National Distinguished Principal for the state of Ohio, 2017 Presenter at the PBIS showcase representing a silver award school, 2017 Featured in OLAC success story, 2017 Who’s Who of Black Columbus, 2016 BLT panel, ESC, February 2016 Presenter, Bright Fellows Leadership Program, 2016 Certified Teacher Evaluator (OTES), 2015 Principal Mentor for Leadership Interns 2008-2012 Distinguished Teacher, 2005 Dr. Peeples’ professional affiliations include: Board Affiliate, ASCD; and Board Executive Council Member, Weinland Park Annie E. Casey Initiative Trauma Informed Practices-Family and Children First Council. Her personal affiliations include: The Columbus Chapter of Charms, Inc. and Small Group Sisters. Rhonda was a devout, Christian woman of God. She was a member of Power & Glory Ministries in Pinkerington, OH pastored by Apostle Dr. Maurice Broomfield and Pastor Sherry Broomfield. She often served as an educational advisor. Dr. Peeples loved to travel and to attend family gatherings. From Ohio to Michigan and nationally & internationally, the trips were blazed with love. Dr. Peeples’ mother, Martha Peeples, tragically proceeded her in death on February 3, 2022. She was also proceeded in death by her grandparents James & Pauline Peeples and Alexander & Willie Mabel McNutt. Survivors include: Father, Ronald Peeples, Sr. of Columbus, OH; Brothers, Ronald Peeples, Jr. of Columbus, OH & Chris (Teesa) Adams of Charlotte, NC; Aunts, Dr. Gladys Peeples-Burks, Lois Peeples & Barbara Peeples of Stevensville, MI; Harriet Peeples & Dora Robinson of Benton Harbor, MI; and Margie McNutt of Lansing, MI; Uncle, Steve (Valerie) McNutt of Michigan; Cousins, Vickie Peeples of Saginaw, MI; Beverly Burks of Fort Worth, TX; Lisa Peeples-Hurst (Andrew Hurst), Audrey Peeples, & Traci Robinson of Benton Harbor, MI; Ernest Robinson of Farmington Hills, MI; Vic (Heather) McNutt of Lansing, MI; and Douglas McNutt of Benton Harbor, MI; special cousins Andrea (Darwin) Lamar of Saginaw, MI and Brittney (Brandon) Chase of Stockbridge, GA; special friends Felica Davis-Ray, Mona Duffy, Dr. Jennifer Ross, Kim Lavert, Marlita Long, Pamela Eberhardt- Horton, Ebone Johnson and Melvina Tolbert; and a host of other cousins, extended family members, colleagues, friends & her dog, Lady. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Power & Glory Ministries, 122 W. Church St., Pickerington, OH 43147 at 11:00am. Inquiries may be directed to 269-369-8750.