Woogie

In the early morning, angels descended to reclaim a “Good Man” who possessed a generous, loving, and giving heart. Rodney Dean Mahone transitioned from Earth to Glory on early Thursday morning, December 15, 2022, with his sister, Vivian, by his side. Rodney was born on July 1, 1956, to Mr. & Mrs. F. G. and Evelyn Mahone at Warm Springs Medical Center in Warm Springs, Georgia, four miles from his hometown of Manchester, Georgia. Rodney was the second son of four children born to his parents. He was preceded by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. F. G. & Evelyn Mahone, and two brothers, Wagner Lorenzo Mahone (1963) and Elder Percy Wendell Mahone (2002).

A MAN OF FAITH — Rodney was a believer in Jesus Christ. He loved Jesus and tried to spread His message of salvation and redemption to everyone he came in contact with on the telephone, at church, at his job, and in person. He loved and followed the teachings of the Church of God in Christ. During his teenage years, Rodney accepted Christ and joined the Manchester Bridge Street Church of God in Christ. He was an ordained Deacon and performed the duties with reverence and devotion under the excellent leadership of a his beloved former pastor, Superintendent Henry Grady Ellison of the Northern Georgia Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. He faithfully worshiped there with Assistant Pastor Ray Copeland, Mother Bertha Davis, Missionary Ola Mae Copeland, Evangelist Rosa Lee Walker, Sister Annie Mae Chambers, Sister Jewel Howe, Sister Lorell Hardnett, Mother Rochelle Reynolds, Sister Mary Nell Reeves, and other endearing Holy Ghost filled saints. Every one of these saints helped mold his unwavering beliefs in Jesus Christ. Rodney demonstrated his faith as he traveled annually over 50 years to the National Convocations in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Louis, Missouri, and various cities for the UNAC conventions. After forty years of attending church in Manchester, beating his tambourine, clapping, and dancing in the spirit, Rodney made Hinsley Temple Church of God in Christ in Atlanta, Georgia, his primary place of worship. He was under the pastoral care of former pastor Elder J. Howard and current pastor Dr. Lytia Howard. He sang in the national choir under the direction of the renowned Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, later with Director Iris Steverson-McCullough, Dr. Judith McAllister, and current President Myron Williams. Many friends and family members were strongly encouraged by Rodney to remain faithful and attend church as often as possible.

A MAN OF PHILANTHROPISM — Rodney had an affection for humankind, especially as manifested in the devotion of his work with his alma mater, Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. He successfully worked with others to reinstate the accreditation status of Morris Brown College. He was recognized as the highest seller of fund-raising tickets, including the grand prize of $10,000, and another second-place winning ticket of $3,000. Rodney enjoyed the fellowship and comradeship with other Brownites. Giving and selling cakes, cookies, and pies earned him the nickname “the cake man.” He gave away as many cakes as he sold. His baking represented his kind heart, love, and appreciation for others. Frequently, he would often surprise people with cakes, gifts, monetary contributions, and other forms of appreciation. Rodney worked with the Department of Family & Children Services in a supervisory position, retired, and was summoned back to the department as a semi-retired worker. Many have testified of his skillful handling of their documents at the Department of Family & Children Services. He was thorough and followed the laws established by the state and federal government involving social services. Rodney’s philanthropy was a well-rounded activity that benefited his friends and family members.

A MAN OF HIS WORD — Rodney always kept his word. He would tell you the truth, even if sometimes it sounded harsh. He remembered facts, data, phone numbers, and addresses; he kept his word and did what he promised. His clients, friends, and family never questioned anything he told them because what he said was trustworthy, reliable, and always welcomed.

A MAN OF FRIENDSHIP — Acquaintance, ally, buddy, classmate, colleague, companion, homie, and brother were some of the titles descriptive of Rodney. Throughout his life, Rodney always showed himself as friendly and endearing. Every ounce of love and care he gave was reciprocated within his relationships and friendships. From home to abroad, his plethora of friends all shared similar sentiments about his one-of-a-kind personality. Rodney was selfless, loyal, dependable, caring, giving, respectful, genuine, and a great friend in deed and love. Proverbs 17:17- “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

A MAN OF LOVE — Rodney “ Woogie” Mahone leaves to cherish his loving memory: his sister; Vivian Mahone Harris, one niece; Chastity Nobles (m. Kelvin Nobles), three nephews; Danny K. Harris (m. Judy Harris), Percy L. Mahone; Samuel A. Mahone (m. Patricia), four grand-nieces; Danni, Kamaria, Thalia, and Ariane; three grand-nephews, Percy, Sam, and Anthony; godchildren, Jasmin and Jackson Wilson; and a host of cousins; Mary Francis, The Mahone, Dunlap, and Hall family members, devoted friends; Betty, Willie, Fred, Charles, Melvin, Virgil, Al, Alfred, Eddie, Dwight, Yolanda, Elder J. Harris, Ernestine, Pat, Sandra, Linda, Shirley, Cynthia, Kathy, Emily, Joe & Maxine, John, The Andersons and best friend, James Zellner.