Rita Griffith Collins

Mrs. Rita Griffith Collins, 69, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 while under Hospice care at her home.

She was born to the late Joseph and Betty Griffith of Sparta, Ohio, on April 29, 1947.  She graduated salutatorian of Highland High School in 1965 and received her undergraduate degree from Ohio University in 1968.  She earned a Master’s degree from Ohio State in 1970.  Later she received a second masters from the University of West Florida in clinical psychology.  She was a high school English teacher for several years and used her teaching skills leading Sunday school classes and directing Disciple Bible Study groups in various United Methodist Churches.  She served as a program Director at churches in Texas, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.  She also worked as a mental health therapist and was working toward her license when she had to drop out in order to care for her ailing husband.

Rita is survived by her husband, Johnny, of 44 years and her son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Kalli, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and daughter, Joanna, and son-in-law Bradley of Livermore, California.  She is also survived by four grandsons: Foster, Peak, Emerson, and Abram.  Her family includes five siblings: Beverley, Barbara, Candi, Brett, and Bart all of Ohio and a large number of nieces and nephews.

Rita was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  All who knew her benefitted from her wise counsel, teaching skills, and broad biblical understanding. Thanks to the wonderful, caring service of the NE Georgia Medical Center Hospice, she was able to remain at home relatively pain free for the course of her illness.  That was indeed a blessing.  God is good!

A celebration of life will be held in the sanctuary of St. Paul United Methodist Church on October 6, 2016, at 2:00 PM with the Rev. Geoffrey Grubbs presiding. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in honor of Rita to the St. Paul UMC, 404 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.