Rita James

Rita Andrews James, 75, of North Little Rock, died Saturday, October 17, 2020, after a long, valiant battle with breast and pancreatic cancer.  She was born March 28, 1945, the oldest daughter of Earnest and Olga Andrews, who both preceded her in death.  On August 9, 1964, she married the love of her life, Charles, and they shared 51 wonderful years together prior to his passing in 2015.  She is survived by her daughters, Karen of North Little Rock, and Jennifer (Bryan) of Sherwood as well as three sisters, Lillian Fellin (John), Dotty Graddy (George) and Betty Rutz (Charlie), several extended family members, and her beloved dog, Sally.

Rita graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1963 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1972 and her Masters of Education in 1984, both from the University of Arkansas Little Rock.  For 34 years she was a dedicated teacher in the Little Rock School District.  She was a wonderful cook, baker, and seamstress who enjoyed sharing her many talents with others.  A longtime member of Baring Cross Baptist Church, she was active in the Faith Seekers Sunday School class.

Rita’s funeral service will be held Thursday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Baring Cross Baptist Church in Sherwood with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will immediately follow at Rest Hills Cemetery in Sherwood.  Services are entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers are Brad Beavers, Robert Davis, Alva Fisher, Preston Huffstuttler, Tommy Toland, and John Torres.  Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Brown and Glenn Holloway.

Memorials may be made to Baring Cross Baptist Church Consecrate the Land fund, UAMS Arkansas Cancer Research Center , or an animal shelter of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank the nurses at UAMS Cancer Institute, UAMS Hospital, Baptist Home Health, and Arkansas Hospice for their wonderful care and concern.

State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required.  Maintain social distancing.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.