May 19, 2024, 88, Goldsboro —
Rita Jean Grant Reaves, 88, passed away at Wayne UNC Health Care on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born and raised in England, she was the daughter of the late James and Dorothea Grant.
In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Reaves; daughter, Pamela Reaves; and brother, Ron Grant.
Rita is survived by her daughters, Theresa Pereira and husband, Rich, and Karen Carter and husband, Walter; eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Rita is also survived by her sister, Isabella Grant, and several nieces and nephews in England.
Rita could oftentimes be seen working in her yard. She especially enjoyed the Fall with the arrival of her favorite flowers, mums. Each night, Rita could be seen catching up on all the happenings around town by reading the newspaper. For over 20 years, Rita worked at Barry’s Shoe Company.
For Rita, family was paramount. She was a proud military wife. She loved taking care of her children, and to her grandchildren, she was the best grandma ever. No matter the occasion, her grandchildren would never leave the house empty-handed. Her love for her family knew no bounds and each moment spent together with them was a memory that she cherished forever.
Rita enjoyed working with her hands and loved sewing and making her own clothes. She loved traveling and visiting her many friends across the pond. Rita enjoyed afternoon tea with her neighbor Mrs. Cantey, another England native whom she considered family.
A service to celebrate Rita’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. Internment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in memory of Rita to
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
