Rodney Dwayne Stroud

He was a “Bundle of Joy” when he arrived into this world.    Rodney Dwayne Stroud was born to Saundra Louise Stroud and Alfred Wade on February 10, 1967.  He grew up in the house with his Aunts, Uncles and Grandma, surrounded with many arms to hug him, love him, and support him.   He came into this world with energy and determination to be himself, Rodney.  Someone in the house was always running trying to catch Rodney, but he was too fast for all of us.  He was also a very smart little boy who learned early how to unlatch the gate that was installed to keep him from running out of the house and down the steps.   Nothing kept Rodney down long.  He was determined to outsmart all of us, and he did.   That young Rodney grew up to be that same kind of person in life, determined, smart and seeing life as a gifted, creative person.

When Rodney was 2 and a half years old, he moved to New York City with his mother.  He attended the school system in New York City and was a good student with outstanding skills.   His Aunt and Godmother took pleasure in reading letters that he wrote to her when he was a young boy.  Those letters she still has and enjoys going back to read them again and again because they showed her another of his many talents.   He had many cousins to play with in New York City and developed a close relationship with them.  Before leaving New York City, he took on small construction jobs and worked on Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, N. Y. as a young intern, showing a God given talent that would earn him a good salary later.

Rodney moved to Florida and worked in construction.  While in Florida, he brought into this world his beloved daughter Skylar Stroud, his partner for the next 11 years.  He cared for her from birth until his death and the love they shared with each other was a joy to watch.  Later, with his daughter, Skylar who was 2 years old, He moved to Camden, Arkansas and worked for Public Works.    Rodney lived there for 9 years.  He also worked on houses and built wonderful decks for his own home and customers.   Rodney developed many friends in Camden and is remembered there for his ability to make everyone laugh.  His local bank could not wait for his visits there to get a good laugh and to talk with him.  He dearly loved the Dallas Cowboys.

The family last saw Rodney, before his illness in 2017 when his Aunt passed away and he returned to North Carolina for her funeral.   We all wanted him to move back home so that we could see him and his daughter more.  God knew then that he would be bringing Rodney back to us on May 28th, 2021.  We trust and believe that God knows what is best for all of us and Rodney being back in North Carolina made all of us happy that he was spending his last months on this earth with us.  We thank God for that gift!  

Rodney spent the last days of his life with his mother Saundra, stepfather Larry, his son Kenneth, and his daughter Skylar, who cared for him with patience and love.   He had many visits from other family members who loved that he was being strong and brave about his imminent death.   We were so happy that God brought him back to his roots, happy to have him with us again.  It did not matter that he was sick, God put him where he needed to be, with his family.  The gifted young Rodney was a joy to be around, and we will all miss his presence but, we understand that God is in charge.  His Grandparents Irving & Mamie; his Aunt Carolyn Williams  and his Uncle Ronald Stroud will be happy to meet him as he passes from this earth to where God will take care of him until we all meet again.

Rodney leaves behind: his mother: Saundra DeVaughn and her husband Larry; three children: Kenneth Mitchell, Darnell Mitchell and Skylar Salony-Stroud; aunts and uncles: Shirley Grant, Lorna Maskell who was also his God-Mother, Belinda Houser, Pastor Anthony Stroud and his wife Gayle, Michael Stroud and his wife Made and Reginald Stroud and his wife Nina as well as a multitude of cousins, co-workers and dearly devoted friends. 

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