Rhonda Avent

Rhonda Avent, 58,  of Bolivar, departed this life Tuesday evening, January 21, 2025, at her home.

Rhonda spent most of her life in Hardeman County, where she met the love of her life, Jerry Wayne, in high school. Together, they were blessed to adopt two beautiful children, Megan and Jordan, who became the lights of her life.

She dedicated nearly 30 years as an insurance billing specialist at the Hardeman County Health Center and also worked part-time as an operator for Hardeman County 911. Rhonda was deeply loved by her coworkers, often treating them to her famous cakes and cookies— a talent she turned into a successful side business, becoming the go-to person for desserts among her friends and family.

Rhonda was passionate about serving her community and was one of the founding members of the Hardeman County Rescue Squad “Crewetts”, where she proudly served for over 20 years. Though she was never able to bare children of her own, she was a mother to many and never met a baby she didn’t adore.

She loved traveling and cherished every moment spent with her family. Her creativity shone through in the beautiful quilts she crafted and the intricately decorated cakes she made. Her presence brought warmth and joy to everyone around her, and the world is undoubtedly a darker place without her in it.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Jerry Avent of Bolivar; her daughter, Megan (Tyson) Sulzberger of Charlotte, NC; her son, Jordan Avent of Bolivar; her mother, Betty (Vandiver) Zaller of Savannah, GA; her brother, Michael (Shannon) Zaller of Savannah, GA; her sisters, Dawn Zaller of Bennington, NE, Ginny Rickman of Middleton and Tina Rickman of Naples, FL; nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Jackson, Constance, Lucca, Hayden, Kai, Ashley, Patric, Christie, Jamal, Kamal and Zain.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph C. Rickman; and her step-father and step-mother, Frank M. Zaller and Betty Rickman.

Memorials may be sent to the Hardeman County Rescue Squad, PO Box 244, Bolivar, TN 38008.