Tena Irene Rhodes, 66, of Bryan, Texas, died unexpectedly at her home on March 3, 2026.

Tena was born July 19, 1959 in Smithville, Missouri to Mary Jane Thomas and Roy Thomas. She spent part of her childhood growing up in Minnesota before moving to Bryan, Texas in her early teens, where she built her life and raised her family.

She worked for many years as a convenience store manager before beginning a long career as a tax accountant. Known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and natural ability with numbers, Tena remained committed to her career until her retirement.

Tena was known for her vibrant personality, her loud laugh, and her honesty. She never held her tongue and always spoke her mind. She loved listening to music, playing FreeCell, traveling with her husband, and making her famous to-do lists. After retirement she enjoyed being at home and staying up late, often texting her family in the middle of the night asking where something had been put.

Above all, Tena loved her family deeply. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and spoke with her sister Jeanette daily. She was the matriarch of her family and the one who helped keep everyone connected.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Jane Thomas and Roy Thomas; her husband, Charles “Gogi” Rhodes Jr.; siblings Billy Thomas, Alice Matthews, Kathy Hinton, and Tommy Bennett; and her in-laws Amalia Rhodes and Charles Rhodes Sr.

She is survived by her stepmother, Linda Thomas; her children: Christena Rhodes-Thurmon; Roy Rhodes and wife Stacy Rhodes; and Charli Rhodes-Castillo. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Thomas Thurmon and wife Breyonce; Cierra Thurmon and fiancé Cedacia; Erik Thurmon and Desiray Johnson; Alyssa Thurmon and Trey Miles; Celleste Rhodes; Celina Castillo; PJ Thurmon; Joshua Thurmon; and Constance Johnson. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Ellayah Thurmon, Elijah Thurmon, E’mir Thurmon, Andre Tindle, Jamorian Grant, Jakayla Ruiz, and two great-grandchildren expected to arrive soon. Tena is further survived by her siblings Jeanette Baker and husband Dan Baker; John Thomas; Nancy Kimble and husband Patrick Kimble; Edward Rhodes and wife Judy Rhodes; and Jennifer Chasser and husband Michael, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home with burial to follow at Rest-Ever Memorial Park Cemetery in Bryan.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather for food and fellowship at Rustic G Events, located at 1817 Reed Lane in Bryan, Texas.

Tena will be remembered for her humor, honesty, strength, and the deep love she had for her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.