The Southern Seven Health Department and Head Start is mourning the loss of Executive Director and Public Health Administrator Rhonda Andrews-Ray, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 57.
Rhonda served as a compassionate leader and advocate for public health across Southern Illinois. Her career spanned more than three decades, including leadership roles in Marion and Fayette counties before joining Southern Seven in 2018. At the time of her passing, she oversaw the largest geographical health department in the state and one of the few Head Start programs nationally administered by a health department.
Rhonda earned her master’s degree in biology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1995. She was remembered by colleagues as a mentor, friend, and driving force behind community wellness.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery in Cisne, Illinois. Visitation is set for Friday, July 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Collier Funeral Home in Benton, Kentucky.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Colon Cancer Foundation, 10 Midland Ave, Suite M-06, Port Chester, NY 10573.
Southern Seven said in a statement, “Her mission of caring and dedication to those she served will forever guide us.”
For more information, visit www.southern7.org.
