Obituary of Ronda Lashay Sullivan

Ronda Lucas Sullivan, 46, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday January 1, 2023 at her home, with her loving family by her side.

Ronda Lashay Lucas-Sullivan was born as a twin in Kalamazoo Michigan, to Ora Jene (Cosey) and Forrest Edward Lucas on January 25, 1976.

She attended Dowagiac Union High School, graduating in 1994. Ronda worked in retail, photography, and was a proctor for American College Testing (ACTs) for many years. She attended college at Southwestern Michigan College and completed business certificates with McDonalds Corporation. She worked with Franchise Owners and McDonalds Corporation for thirty-one years. Ronda received the Outstanding Store Manager Award multiple years, also receiving the Ray Kroc Award in 2010; this honor is awarded to the top one percent of all McDonald’s restaurant managers in the United States.  She supervised for JNKO Management Inc./ McDonalds and became family with the Owner Operators, Jay and Karen Okayama.  She loved meeting and working with people.

Ronda loved serving as the PTO President for many years at Patrick Hamilton Elementary.  She went on to serve the community on the Dowagiac Union School board.  She held multiple positions as trustee, Vice President and eventually President.  Ronda enjoyed volunteering, and supporting the kids in her community.  She loved helping organize team dinners, and fundraisers with the basketball team.  Ronda was a true supporting fan and barely missed a game.  

Ronda was a faithful member at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan.  She served on the WL Daniel Scholarship Committee and was always willing to donate and help where needed.  She was thankful for the leadership she received from Pastor Bacon and Lady Monica, she loved the Lord and knew she was nothing without him.

On September 23, 2000 Ronda married James Errol Sullivan Jr.  at a ceremony in Dowagiac, Michigan.  To this union two sons, DeYonte and Donovan were born.  She also gained a son James Errol Sullivan III, and daughter Savannah Sullivan-Souza.

She was preceded in death by her father, Forrest Edward Lucas in 1998; mother, Ora Jene Lucas in 2012, and her Grandmother Mae Belle Hill in 2020.

Ronda is survived by her children; DeYonte (McKinzie) Sullivan, Donovan Sullivan, Savannah (Bruno) Sullivan-Souza, and  James Sullivan III, and special niece that she called her own baby girl, JeNora Lucas-Croom;  godchildren; Jazzmyne Robinson and Mariah Green;  bonus sons; Leroy Lewis, Tyler Hill,  Xavier Bowen, Cailyn Murphy, and Milton Marshall; sisters; twin and best friend Danielle Lucas, Tina Cosey, Tonya Cosey, Bertha (Clay) Nickens, Robin (Edward) Crawford, Evelyn Randle, Marie Taylor; brothers; Sheldon (Tracy) Cosey, Christopher (Donna) Lucas, Donald aka “Bubba” (Brenda) Lucas, Rodney (Shelia) Lucas, Tony Lucas; special cousins; Willie Brown, Julie Nave and Tamantha Murphy; special nephews; Aaron Cosey, Shariele Cosey and Christopher Cosey; special friends; Monica Green, Lavina Pulliam, Tonya Brooks, Shana Russell and Kawana Robinson; countless cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends that she loved dearly. The list would go on and on!!!!

A special shout out to Uncle Bug and Aunt Bev who selflessly stepped in as mom and dad when needed.

Special Message to my Twin: I was blessed to never be alone, carry me in your heart and you will never be alone. Take care of my baby girl and don’t scold her when she’s acting like me. Love You.

Special Message to all my children:  Consult God in all you do.  Walk in your purpose. Always remember who you are. I will always be your biggest supporter.  Love you.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Mt Calvary Baptist Church 601 Ferry St, Niles. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service; she will be laid to rest following the service at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. 

A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services 521 E. Main Street, Niles

Ronda was a devoted mother and loved her family.  She found it easier to smile and be positive.  She loved to laugh. 

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Condolences, memories, and photos, may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com