May 21, 2026, 73, Mount Olive – Mrs. Rita Taylor Sanderson, 73, Mount Olive area resident, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, while in the care of Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro.
Mrs. Sanderson had been employed in the laundry department at Guardian Care Nursing Center in Kenansville. While there, she thoroughly enjoyed visiting and sharing good cheer with the residents. She had a deep affinity for cats and kittens, and was passionate about feeding others, whether it be people or animals. Too, she enjoyed playing cards, especially UNO, and she became quite competitive. A loving wife to Tommy, she was a wonderful mom to Richie, and a doting grandmother to Saiberh and Tom, and was welcoming to the name of Deedee, which they affectionately called her.
She worshipped with fellow believers at Word of Faith Ministries at Kenansville, and was a faithful volunteer with its food pantry outreach.
Mrs. Sanderson leaves behind a loving family which includes her son, Richard Morris “Richie” Sanderson, with whom she shared a home; two grandchildren, Saiberh Sanderson of Raleigh, and Richard Stanley “Tom” Sanderson of Greenville; and her brother, the Rev. Bobby Ray Taylor and his wife, Janie, of Greenville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Durwood Morris “Tommy” Sanderson; and her parents, Monford and Sylvia Hollis Taylor.
In keeping with the quiet nature in which Mrs. Sanderson lived her life, in death it was quietly and privately that her family remembered her life. A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Cemetery. Officiating was Pastor John Quinn.
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