July 8, 2023, 12, Fayetteville —
Jordan Douglas Rhodes, 12, of Fayetteville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, July 8, 2023, after battling a life-long illness. He was born prematurely, along with his twin sister, Jayden, on January 7, 2011, in Tulsa, OK. (Jayden was released from the NICU after reaching her milestones, and we are so grateful for her good health.) Through a series of events, Jordan ended up in the care of his paternal grandmother, Debbie (Granny). She dedicated her life to him, making every sacrifice to keep him happy and healthy, and he loved her for it. We all do.
From birth, Jordan faced one health challenge after another…it seemed we would find the answer to one medical problem only to find out about another. The most pressing of them all was that Jordan was born with 2 separate kidney diseases so neither kidney was viable, which meant he required dialysis for most of his life. After many years of hospital stays, countless hours of dialysis, and an appearance on American Ninja Warrior asking for a kidney, Jordan was fortunate enough to receive a life-saving transplant through the Shared Kidney program. Thanks to that selfless act, he was finally able to run free and enjoy the things all little boys should be able to enjoy! He finally got to go swimming, put his feet in the ocean, travel a little, spend more time with family and friends, run through sprinklers, go kayaking, and just be outside! We will be forever grateful for that time with him and for being able to see the sheer happiness on his face as he got to experience all these new things for the first time in his life. He may have been strong-willed and stubborn (who wouldn’t be when they spent their entire life hooked up to machines and stuck in hospital beds), but that stubbornness was equally matched by his infectious laugh that will forever be engrained in our memories.
Those who knew Jordan know that he LOVED Spiderman, sweet tea, Power Rangers (especially the Red Ranger), Kit-Kats, video games, and pretty much anything the color red. He loved playing Roblox with Lorelai, Brody, August, & Jocelyn, snuggling with Granny & Papa Bear, playing Power Rangers with Jayden and Rylee, sleepovers with Aunt Amanda, playing video games with Rikailee & Gage, trips with Dad & Meagon, and picking on Uncle Teddy. Despite all his restrictions and limitations, we all tried our best to make sure he lived a full and happy life. He was our own, real-life Superhero, and will be deeply missed.
We ask anyone who may be interested in being a Superhero and saving a life to be an organ donor in honor of Jordan. Contact UNOS and ask to be part of the shared kidney program, sign up on BeTheMatch.org, or simply donate blood or plasma. The world could use more superheroes.
Jordan is survived by his Granny, Deborah Harris-Jones, and Papa Bear, Terry Jones; father, Brandon Rhodes, and wife Meagon; mother, Shana Whitaker; maternal grandparents, Sandra and Mike Whitaker, Darlene Rhodes; great grandparents, Eugene and Kaye Jones and Susanne Bates; sisters, Rikailee Rhodes, Jayden Rhodes, Rylee Rousey, and Autumn Underhill; Aunt Amanda Ward and husband Brian; cousins, Gage Ward and Lorelai Ward; maternal great-grandmother, Linda Rhodes; and best buddy, Brody McGuire.
Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.CaseyFH.com
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the family.
