Obituaries

Emory Rhone, Sr, 83 of Scranton, passed away Friday afternoon at Regional Hospital of Scranton surrounded by his loving family.

His wife of 55 years Vernell Rhone, who preceded him death passed away in 2016.

Born November 12, 1941, in Woodville, GA, son of the late C. Hubbard and Susie Rhone, Emory was raised by his Uncle Icey Rhone, who was very pivotal in his life direction.  A 1959 graduate of Ralph Bunch High School in Woodbine, GA, Emory moved to Philadelphia with his brother, Hartwell, and cousins, Elsie, Eleanor, and Edith.  A strong work ethic drove his employment from the US Post Office until 1966, Bonds Bread until 1983, and worked for Philco Ford for 21 years and retired in 2004 as a machinist and group leader.  Not being able to sit still for too long, Emory went back to the work force part-time alongside his son Shawn Rhone at Growth Horizons, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities from 2007-2012, when his wife fell ill.  Emory also privately worked as a tax preparer, helping and assisting his clients navigate the troublesome of filing their taxes until he could no longer do so and then passed his teachings to his daughter Emily Rhone. Emory was of the Christian faith.

The kindest man you would ever meet, Emory was the definition of salt of the earth.  He loved his family with all his heart.  He was an awesome “Pop-Pop” who shared a special kind of love with all his grandchildren. He enjoyed horse racing and will frequently take his children to Brandywine Racetrack in Wilmington, Delaware.

His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of his family, but his memory will live on in the stories and moments he shared with every one of them.

Surviving are his daughters, Roxanne Moore and husband Joe Moore who preceded him in death from Scranton, and Emily Rhone and husband, Bruce Smith, Phila.; his sons, Emory Rhone, Jr., Christopher Rhone, and Shawn Rhone, Phila.; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.

His brother, Hartwell Rhone, and cousins, Elsie, Eleanor, and Edith preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Emory’s life will be held on April 5, 2025 at The KingdomLife church Ministries, 770-800 W. Tabor Road, Philadelphia, PA with Bishop Daniel E. Sutton, pastor, officiating.  In memory of Emory, the family asks that you plant a tree in his honor.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.