Rhonda Elias

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Rhonda Elias passed away at the age of 69. She was born in New Orleans, LA on May 15, 1954 and was the third of seven children.

 Her parents, who preceded her in death, were Ernesto Alberto Elias and Nina Reed (Adams) Elias. 

Rhonda graduated from Marion Abramson High School and went on to become a very gifted dressmaker and tailor for many well-known people in New Orleans. Her surviving children, with former husband Robert John Sykes, are Sophia Reed Sykes, Robert John Sykes, Jr. (Tabitha), and Oliver John Sykes. She also leaves behind her siblings, Pamela (Elias) Welsh (Jeffrey), Vanessa Elias, Marcus Frank Elias (Cynthia), Marissa (Elias) Guillory, and Richard Alan Elias (Kerri). Grandchildren: Nyna Reed Latino, Silas Reed Sykes, Liam David Sykes, Adeline Rose Sykes, Layla Leeann Sykes, and Hannah Milligan Sykes. 

Preceded in death were her loving paternal grandparents, Francisco and Luisa Sofia Rosales Duenas Castro and maternal grandparents James Elbert and Esther (Reed) Adams and brother Ernest Albert Elias.

 A “Celebration of Rhonda’s Life” will be held on Sunday, July 21st at the New Orleans City Park Shelter #1 (near the Amusement Park & Storyland). Join us anytime between 11:30 am to 5:30 pm and wear your brightest colors! We’ll celebrate with family and friends as we share fond memories and great food, just as Rhonda would have wanted! 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association and don’t forget to sign the family guest book at www.bagnellfuneralhome.com.