Joanna Elizabeth Rush (Rhoades)

March 25, 1970-December 12, 2000

Two children: Julia – 1997; Zachary – 1999

Four siblings: Michael, HHS Class of 1983; Ray, HHS-1985 (deceased 2002); John, HHS-1990; Vicky, Grissom-1992

Following graduation from HHS, Joanna went to UAH for two years on a scholarship. She transferred to Auburn and was a member of the Auburn flag corps. In 1992, she married R. Michael Rhoades. Mike was a middle school teacher and Joanna continued her studies at Auburn. She graduated from Auburn in 1993 with a B.S. in Math. A memorial scholarship was established in her name after her death.

After graduation they moved to Atlanta and later to Flowery Branch, GA. Joanna worked at Waffle House corporate headquarters in Atlanta until the birth of her daughter, Julia, in 1997. She was a stay at home mom, working one day a week for the President of Waffle House. Her son, Zachary was born in 1999.

She was very active in her church as a Sunday School teacher, singer and choir leader. She was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in May 2000. She lived her life with sense of joy and determination. Her best friend from Huntsville High, Katherine Karr, continued to visit and provide love and moral support until Joanna’s death on December 12, 2000.