Rhonda Porter Delph, age 71, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully and went to be with Jesus on July 16, 2026. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 18, 1954.

Rhonda was a graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, where she earned her degree in 1976. Throughout her career, she used her gifts of writing and editing in marketing, journalism, and Christian publishing. She worked for both Lifeway Christian Resources and the United Methodist Publishing House, where she combined her loves of ministry and storytelling.

Rhonda met the love of her life, David Delph, on January 5, 1980. After beginning a long-distance relationship, they were married on July 5, 1980, and shared 38 years of marriage before David’s passing in 2018.

Rhonda was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, Tennessee, where she played clarinet in the orchestra. Following David’s passing, she worked with the church’s Widows Ministry, where she remained actively involved, especially caring for new widows.

Rhonda is survived by her children, Zachary (Marie) and Natalie Spargo (James); her grandsons, Colin and Oliver Delph; her mother, Shirley Bowman; her sisters, Rita Stroud and Robin Hays; and many nieces and nephews.

Rhonda was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her father, Billy Porter.

A Celebration of Rhonda's Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. from the Chapel at First Baptist Church Hendersonville with Dr. Bruce G. Chesser officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until time of service. 

Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com