Rita Blount Obituary
Rita was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses during her teenage years and remained steadfast in her beliefs throughout her life. She spent time in the full-time ministry before marrying her beloved husband, Sandy. Sharing her faith brought her great joy, and she cherished opportunities to speak with others about the hope she held dear.
Family was at the heart of Rita's world. She was a devoted wife to Sandy and a loving mother to their children-Foster (Tammi) Shawn ( Chelsea), Ryan (Mackenzie) , Jamin, and Travis (Holly). Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family; she was like a second momma to her younger siblings and played an integral role in their lives. Her grandchildren-Jared, Ethan, Jackie, Scarlett, Ian, Addison, and Harlow-brought immense happiness into her life. She also delighted in the presence of her great-grandson Lochlan.
Rita is also remembered with love by her siblings: Kathy Goebel of Kingsport; Gene Barnett (Leslie) of North Carolina; Bernita Griffin of Kingsport; Carmen Waddell of New Market; and Tim Barnett (Gail) of Jefferson City; and a sister-in-law, Susan Blount, of Morristown. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Juanita Barnett, as well as her grandson Samuel Evan Blount.
One of Rita's greatest joys was spending time with those she loved. She especially looked forward to annual beach vacations with her siblings and extended family-a tradition filled with laughter and lasting memories. Her fierce love for family was matched only by her deep devotion to Jehovah God.
Rita's legacy is one of faithfulness, warmth, and enduring love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on August 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses; 105 Parsons Circle, Jonesborough, TN
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37 Entries
Tom (Tommy) Bowen
Yesterday
I grew up with Rita and loved her smile, wit, charm and sense of humor. We used to pioneer together as teenagers. She would sit next to the window in the back seat of my 1953 Chevrolet and look for Coke bottles (in East Tennessee, we called all sodas Cokes) on the side of the road. They were worth two cents each.
"There´s one!" she would yell, and I would stop the car and fish it out of the ditch. It was the way we paid for gas to get home from unassigned territory. Lunch was bologna (pronounced baloney) and cheese sandwiches.
Rita´s lovable spats with Gene made us laugh. Those were good times. She was more than a sister in the faith. I will miss her and add her to the growing list of those I long to see again in Jehovah´s due time.
Tammi Blount
Yesterday
David & Carolyn Bush
Yesterday
Rita was always quick to show love and concern for everyone. She loved plants and flowers, being with family and friends, the beach, and most of all, Jehovah. We can´t wait to see her again, soon!
David and Carolyn Bush
P
August 7, 2025
We will Always remember that big smile, rest easy cousin, until we see you again. All Our Love. Pat, Rick & Jean
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Jeff & Susan Bush
August 7, 2025
South vs North
Jeff & Susan Bush
August 7, 2025
Arthur Alan Spence
August 7, 2025
Dear Blount family I am so sorry for your loss she was such a sweet sister.
Gene Barnett
August 7, 2025
Someone´s getting a haircut!
Carmen Waddell
August 7, 2025
Jeff & Susan Bush
August 7, 2025
Carmen Waddell
August 6, 2025
My beautiful sister
Bernita Griffin
August 6, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 6, 2025
Lois Milan
August 6, 2025
So many good times and laughs, I will miss you until we meet again!
Jeffrey Bush
August 6, 2025
Lois Milan
August 6, 2025
Sweet Rita is gone and I´m so sad about that. She was a loving, caring, beautiful and funny person. I know we shared the Kingdom hope, the promise of being reunited with her, she´ll be herself only no longer suffering any illness, but here and now I hate that she´s left us. To Sandy and the family I hope you are comforted by that hope but it´s ok to yell, cry and feel awful for the present loss, we all loved her. I sure do look forward to laughing with her when she´s awakened, seeing that beautiful smile and just hugging her tight
Foster Blount III
August 6, 2025
Patsy Hensley
August 5, 2025
Patsy Hensley and Sharon Crotts offer condolences. Jehovah will be with all in their loss.
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Teresa Collins
August 5, 2025
Pioneer School 1988
Tammy Medina
August 5, 2025
I had known Rita for so long, it's almost like losing part of my family! But I will be there to welcome her back in Paradise!
Kathy wells
August 5, 2025
So sorry for your lose.
Robert and Carla Houseright Family
August 5, 2025
She was such an inspiration to me and my young family at the time we were in Kingsport congregation. Always there as a mama and friend. We look forward soon to have our loved ones back with a renewed youth and vigor! May Jehovah wrap his arms around all of you during this difficult time, and hold you tight, giving you the comfort and love only he can provide! We love you all so much..
Jeremy Milan
August 5, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Rita passing! She will be missed. Jehovah will one day soon honor his promise and resurrect her!
Sending hugs, love and prayers.
Love Jeremy, Emily, Megan and Kayla
Teresa Collins
August 5, 2025
Good times with faithful sister and friend
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 5, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 4, 2025
Bernita Griffin
August 4, 2025
Tammy Quillen
August 4, 2025
My sweet aunt Rita I miss you so much already. I have a lifetime of memories with you, Sandy and the boys & will treasure those forever. So although I am sad, I know you are at peace & just sleeping... and I anxiously await the resurrection when I can hug you & see your beautiful smile again!
Bernita Griffin
August 4, 2025
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