A TIME TO BE BORN

Rita Laverne Owens began her time on this earth in Whitewright, Texas, on November 19, 1956, born to Reuben Luper and Willie Owens. She graduated from Whitewright High School and later attended Grayson County College.

A TIME TO WORK AND SERVE

Rita worked as a medication aide at Whitewright Nursing Home in Whitewright, Texas and Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Van Alstyne, Texas.  She also worked at:

• Day Manufactory
• Johnson & Johnson
• Folgers
• Libbey Owens Ford (LOF)
• caretaker for families with IDD children
• Whitewright ISD as Cafeteria Manager (Retired)

Rita was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church serving as church secretary, Mission President and several other offices within the church, including Sunday school teacher and usher.

A TIME TO LOVE

Rita was married to her high school sweetheart of over 50 years, Alonzo Ballard. They began their journey as teenagers when she was only 15 years old. From their union was born their one and only child, Michelle.

A TIME TO DIE

On April 4, 2023, Rita went home to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her father, Reuben Luper; brothers William Owens and Hugh L. Owens; sisters Gwena Luper and Vera Taylor. She is survived by her mother, Willie Coleman, Sherman, TX; the love of her life, Alonzo Ballard, Whitewright, TX; daughter, Michelle Ballard Wilson (Rodney), Little Elm, TX; grandchildren, Trey Ballard, Denton, TX and Saige Ballard, Little Elm, TX; brothers, Leford Owens, Sherman,TX, Lynze Coleman, Clarksville, TX, Ronald Coleman, Trenton, TX, Nicklous Coleman, DeSoto, TX, Marcus Coleman, Bonham, TX, John Simmons, Dallas, TX, Samuel Taylor, Sherman, TX and Anthony Taylor, Sherman, TX; Sisters: Regina Coleman, Trenton, TX, Willie Coleman Hurd (Bill), Sherman, TX, Lawana Coleman, Sherman, TX, Venita Coleman, San Angelo, TX, Patricia Coleman (Aubrey), Sherman, TX, Sheri Coleman-Scales (Sam), Sherman, TX, Barbara Luper, Denison, TX, and Patricia Jackson, Sherman, TX. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

Rita never met a stranger and will ALWAYS be remembered as a woman who loved the Lord and loved helping others!

A public visitation will be Friday, April 7 ^th from 1 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman.

The funeral service will be Saturday, April 8 ^th at 11 A.M. in the First Baptist Church, 201 W. Walnut St. in Whitewright.  Rev. Dave Bradley is the Host Pastor and Bishop Charles Daniels will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.