Emmelene (Wood) Kerr Rhoden, 79, of Russellville, AR, died Saturday, June 30, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. She was born April 19, 1933, in Delaware, Arkansas to the late Leslie Edward and Hazel (Berry) Wood. While she began her career as an educator, she devoted more of her professional life implementing programs for the care of those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. She was named Coordinator for Missouri's Long-Term Care, Ombudsman Program for Alzheimer's and Dementia. Following her retirement she returned to Arkansas where she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dardanelle, Dardanelle Garden Club, and Dardanelle Book Club. She was also active in Silver Sneakers and Aquatics Group among other activities. Her many accomplishments include founder of the local Widowed Persons Support Group sponsored by AARP; a graduate of Gideon High School in Missouri; a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned her B.S. in Education; and a graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her M.S. in Education. She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband Dr. Harold D. Kerr. Survivors include her husband Ronald Rhoden of Russellville; sons, Nathan L. Kerr and partner David Rizzo of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Dr. Philip Kerr and wife Sherri of St. Louis, Missouri; two grandchildren, Zachary Kerr and Adam Kerr of St. Louis, Missouri; two brothers, Jimmie Wood and wife Joye of Delaware and David Wood and wife Helen of Dardanelle; two brothers-in-law, Donald Rhoden and wife, Shirley of Florida, and Londie Rhoden and wife Bonnie of Florida; two sisters-in-law, Verna Dean Marker and Bonnie Faye Short both of Florida. She also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the Dardanelle First Baptist Church with Brother Mike Smith officiating. A private burial will be at Graves Cemetery, Delaware. Pallbearers include Adam Kerr, Zachary Kerr, Mike Wood, Jeff Geurian, Tyler Geurian, and Tristan Wood. Honorary pallbearers include the Dardanelle First Baptist Church Deborah Sunday School class and members of the Dardanelle Garden and Book Clubs. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, with donations to be prioritized for lung cancer. Visitation will be Tuesday, 6 p.m.8 p.m., at the chapel. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle.