By Sharra Wimberly
One last push and my son entered the world on July 24, 1993, with a loud screeching cry that filled the room. Everyone was aware of his presence. The doctor did a quick evaluation and wrapped D’Andre in a blanket and placed him in my arms.
My son was a handsome fellow. It was hot and I was super tired but none of that mattered now. I looked at him and called out his name D’Andre Jamal Rhone. I knew from the moment I saw him that he was special.
As an only child, D’Andre learned to entertain himself. His favorite thing to do was watch Barney. He loved that purple dinosaur and would cry when I tried to change the channel. I think this show helped him to develop his love for singing. He had so much personality and talent and he couldn’t wait to share it. I was amazed at the voice he had at such a young age. He brightened everyone’s day around him with his angelic singing, the human karaoke box! There was always a song to express his mood and smooth dance moves to match. He was always singing Chris Brown or Trey Songz as he entered the room.
D’Andre was a child with a big personality that only grew in adulthood. He had a light that shined like no other. From the moment he was born he lit up the room. A man of many talents, he was gifted, and was a gift. A present and true joy to have in life. He was adored by family and friends, which he held dear to his heart.
D’Andre had strong bonds with everyone he loved. He descended from a large family on his maternal and paternal sides. Some may wonder how he did it? D’Andre’s heart was enormous and was filled with love for all. Those he loved, he loved hard — and relentlessly.
A pure soul and sincere spirit that cared for others authentically, D’Andre had a special place in his heart for his grandmothers, especially Ga Ga. He called her daily and always started the conversation with saying “Where you at?”
D’Andre was always there when someone needed him, but no one dared to wake him out of his sleep! He would get so agitated and mean mug the culprit with a look that screamed: “Why you just wake me up!”
Still, he often expressed his love through thoughtful and creative acts, to ensure that others felt special, seen, and heard. This love was magnified when he welcomed his first child into the world. D’Andre was a new father and husband, roles in which he honored. His first child was born in 2020. He loved his wife and children and the family that he created more than anything, and what an amazing father he was. D’Andre never had the opportunity to meet his second child but was so excited when he found out his wife was expecting for the second time.
“I look good don’t I,” D’Andre would often say.
He sure did, and he knew it! D’Andre always dressed stylishly and had a suave and charismatic persona. He loved to take pictures to capture the moment and would always debate with his wife about who wore it best. He was a good time and loved to have one, too. He enjoyed traveling and having fun while carrying his positive energy and infectious laugh everywhere he went.
Oh boy, and his smile could warm the coldest heart. He loved to eat, no matter the destination, you can bet a meal was a part of the plan. His favorite foods were spaghetti, ramen noodles, and macaroni and cheese. But not everybody’s food though! He always whispered to me and asked, “Who made this?” We would both burst out laughing every time!
D’Andre loved bowling and sports. He was a big fan of the Browns and the Cavs. You could always find him at a basketball game. He was always dressed in his Cavs gear and would buy the same chicken fingers and fries combo to eat. His favorite athlete was LeBron James, and no one could ever speak bad about LeBron in his presence.
D’Andre aspired to coach baseball, the sport he played when he was younger. D’Andre was very intelligent. Graduated high school in 2011 and attended Bowling Green State University (BGSU). After attending BGSU for 2 years he decided to transfer to the University of Cincinnati. He had many goals and was skilled at many things. With a million talents and a million jobs! D’Andre was still finding his passion and purpose in life. A work in progress, striving to create the life of success that he envisioned for himself and his family. D’Andre knew that he was capable of all things, through Jesus Christ who strengthens him. D’Andre was a man of God, a Christian who was saved and baptized.
On November 7, 2021, as I held your hand in that hospital room you took your last breath. One single tear escaped my eyes as I kissed you goodbye. The family and friends of D’Andre will never forget the light that he shined. We will not allow that light to dim or fade. We will hold on to his light through memories and fellowship, as we strive to emulate that light for others. His light shines in the eyes of his two daughters, Lauryn, and Maya. They act just like him, down to sharing the same favorite foods. My granddaughters help me to keep going. Although D’Andre is no longer here, his spirit is with us always.
D’Andre’s memory lives on through his children and The D’Andre Rhone Foundation. It was established in 2022 to honor his life and achievements. The mission of the foundation is to continue his legacy of excellence, generosity and service. The foundation has established a scholarship fund to annually award scholarships to African American female students who have lost their fathers to gun violence.