Rita Joyce Hodges

Rita Joyce Hodges was born March 12, 1955 in Searcy, AR to the late Arthur Cleo and Mary (Ramsey) Southard.  Rita passed away peacefully at her home in Cabot, AR on July 11, 2024.  Rita graduated from Griffithville High School in 1973.  She lived in Southaven, MS for more than thirty years where she spent most of her career as an inventory manager for United Warehouse in Memphis, TN.

She attended First Baptist Church of Horn Lake, MS with her sister, Janis.  Rita and Janis were very close.  They spent the last few years experiencing joy through their many adventures together.  Rita enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  When she wasn’t taking care of and looking after others, Rita spent her time reading mystery novels and inspirational books.

Rita is survived by her children, Chana (Robert) Hanle of Cabot, AR, and David (Jessica) Hodges of Searcy, AR; her grandchildren, Ethan, Finn, Ramsey, and Aspen Hanle, David L. and Ryder Hodges; her brother, Jerry Southard; her sister-in-love, Shannon Southard; her nephews, Jason, Troy, and Justin Miller, Caleb and Luke Southard; her nieces, Amber, Ashley, and Amanda Southard, Tiffany Chatman.  She also leaves behind several great nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Janis Southard, her brothers, Stephen and Michael Southard, and nephew Matt Miller.

A celebration of life service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Sullivan Funeral Care, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery in Griffithville, AR.