Sea of Lights Brighten Night Sky for HCRS Member Rhonda Avent {video}
The “work” family of Hardeman County Rescue Squad (HCRS) member Rhonda Avent came out with full lights on Thursday evening, January 23, 2024, to honor and remember their “sister and friend” after her passing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Ms. Avent’s work family was her family and all emergency personnel who were able to attend the “Sea of Lights” felt the same love for her in return.
Although Ms. Avent’s fulltime job was as an insurance billing specialist at the Hardeman County Community Health Center, the love of serving her community was further demonstrated through her service with the HCRS and also as a part-time employed operator for the Hardeman County 911 department. Ms. Avent served more than 20 years with the HCRS.
“Rhonda first joined rescue when a few of the members’ wives wanted to do something to help their husbands, so the “Crewetts” were formed. Then Rhonda, along with a few of the Crewetts decided they wanted to do more than just be a support system. They wanted to serve right beside their husbands, so that’s exactly what Rhonda did,” said HCRS member Dedi Wadley. “She was a very dedicated member, who we all looked up to with great respect.”
Ms. Wadley also shared that Ms. Avent held several positions on the squad, which included treasurer and being a board of directors’ member. Ms. Avent also held the position of Region 4 Secretary for the state organization, the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads.
“The rescue squad was a family mission for Rhonda, as her husband of 39 years, Jerry Avent, and her son, Jordan Avent, are vital members of our squad as well,” said Ms. Wadley. “Rhonda has left a great legacy, as no one will ever be able to take her place.”
In June 2024, the HCRS lost another well loved member, John David “Moose” Morris, who served the Hardeman County community for 28 years.
The Sea of Lights started at the Hardeman County Fairgrounds, rode through Downtown Bolivar, passed Ms. Avent’s home, and ended at Tate Road.
Ms. Wadley shared a final message to Rhonda on the Hardeman County Rescue Squad Facebook page.
“Rhonda, we are thankful that you are healed and no longer hurting, but we will miss your compassion and grace. You are now our guardian angel. Watch over us Rhonda, and now rest, we’ll take it from here,” wrote Ms. Wadley.
See funeral services planned for Rhonda Avent.
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