Rhonda Lynn Thomas' Obituary
Rhonda Lynn Fearins Thomas passed away at her home on October 20, 2023, surrounded by her family. Rhonda is the daughter of Ronnie and Patsy Fearins of Preston. Along with her parents, Rhonda is survived by her wife Crystal Huffman, her daughters Kyla (Joseph) Richardson and Ava Lynch, and her grandson Rowen Richardson. Rhonda is also survived by her brother Bobby Fearins (Dawn) and his children Chrissy (Dustin) and Nicole (Scott), also a cousin Laura Fearins, along with many extended family and friends. Rhonda was preceded in death by her brother Kenny Fearins and her grandparents.
Rhonda was a dedicated and hard-working woman who devoted her life to her family, friends, and her career. Rhonda began her career with Easton PD on August 11, 1992. During her service with the town of Easton she implemented and ran the departments Reality Program for first time offenders of alcohol abuse. She served as an Evidence Collection Technician. Rhonda was known Statewide for her Traffic Enforcement efforts through the Maryland Highway Safety Office. She was a Child Passenger Safety Seat Specialist, while also being a Traffic Safety Specialist/ Supervisor. She was a Radar Operator/ Supervisor and known to many as "Radar Rhonda". She also supervised and ran the departments first Mobile Field Force Team. Rhonda was also a first to many things including being the first female K9 Officer for Easton PD, her K9 partner was Brandy. Rhonda served as the departments first female First Sergeant (highest ranking female officer for Easton PD) and served in this role until her retirement. Rhonda was also dedicated to furthering her education by attending and graduating from Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. She attended the Maryland DUI Institute. Additionally, to date she has been the only female officer from Easton PD to attend and graduate from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. Rhonda retired on August 31, 2017, following her lengthy retirement of four days she began her career as Chief of Public Safety at Chesapeake College. The safety of the campus was Rhonda's highest priority, ensuring officers were armed and all campus buildings had adequate safety equipment. She continued her dedication to learning at Chesapeake by completing multiple training courses while also requiring her officers to do the same. Rhonda's last big project included designing the new public safety building and upgraded procedures to a digital reporting system and implementing mandatory safety drills across campus.
As much as she was dedicated to her career, her career was only a piece of who she was. Rhonda enjoyed spending weekends at her cabin with her family including her beloved dogs, most recently Cane and Rico. She loved camping while also being surrounded by her friends and family at a campfire. She was fond of nature; she was dedicated to deer and turkey hunting; each year she would be in the woods awaiting her perfect shot. She loved being on the water, she loved riding on her boat in the sun while fishing. She enjoyed working with her hands including household projects and wood working. She also enjoyed a sweet treat; she would never turn down a good piece of chocolate. Rhonda's greatest joy was being surrounded by family and friends; she will be greatly missed by all. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10-12 at The Todd Performing Arts Center at Chesapeake College followed by a funeral service at noon.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Rhonda's life and service to her community, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Chesapeake College Foundation Rhonda F. Thomas Memorial Fund. Online donations via www.chesapeake.edu/donate (Designation: Rhonda F. Thomas Memorial Fund) or by check to the Chesapeake College Foundation (memo: Rhonda F. Thomas Memorial Fund) P.O. Box 8 Wye Mills, MD 21679.
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