Rita Maurer Harvey

Rita Maurer Harvey, 78, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Born on September 18, 1947 in East Berlin, Germany to Elizabeth Maurer.

Rita is survived by her mother Elizabeth Maurer, her loving husband Ray Harvey, her daughter and spouse Kristen and Sean Jones of Peachtree Corners, GA, her two stepdaughters and their spouses Kelly & Kent Jones of Davidson, NC and Jennifer & Dave Grieve of Sugar Hill, GA, her grandchildren Riley Jones, Isaac Jones (Julia Hardin), Kara Grieve, Hayden Jones, Meredith Grieve, Julia Grieve, Ella Jones, and her great grandson Jasper Jones. She is also survived by her brother Gary Baker and his children.

Rita lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering love for the people around her. Born amid the challenges of East Germany, she faced difficult beginnings, including a period of time in a Catholic orphanage, that would shape her into the remarkably strong woman she became.

Rita's journey to the life she would eventually build began when she came to America at just eight years old-without knowing a "lick of English," as she loved to say. Despite the challenge, she adapted quickly with the same determination that would define her entire life. By high school, she was known as the wittiest kid in her class at an all-girls high school in Macon GA.

As a single mother, Rita poured her energy into building a better future for herself and her beloved daughter. Through persistence and grit, she established herself as a highly successful real estate professional who built more than transactions - she built lasting friendships, earning the love and trust of everyone with whom she worked.

Rita's greatest love story began the day Ray came into her life. He proposed on Staniel Cay in the heart of a tropical storm-an unforgettable moment that set the tone for the many adventures they would share. Together, they explored the world, joined their families, and built a lifetime of memories filled with joy, laughter, and love.

With her grandchildren, Rita was in her element-playful, unfiltered, and full of spark. She was a spitfire in the best possible way, always ready with a joke, a laugh, or a bit of mischief that made every moment unforgettable. Her grandchildren were her greatest gift.

A true people person, Rita had an extraordinary ability to make everyone she encountered feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Her warm smile and open heart created instant connections, and her genuine care for others remained a hallmark of her life. She leaves behind a family who adored her and countless friends who were touched by her kindness-a testament to a life lived fully and with great love.

A visitation will be held this Tuesday, November 25th from 5pm to 7pm at Flanigan Funeral Home at 4400 South Lee Street, Buford GA. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in Rita Harvey's memory.

These gifts help improve patient's lives through innovative research, education, and compassionate care. With your gift, you can help Emory researchers find a cure.

On-line:

https://giving.emory.edu/products/goizueta-alz-research-general-gifts

Checks can be made payable to Emory University and mailed to:

Emory University

Office of Gift Accounting

1762 Clifton Road, Suite 2400

Atlanta, GA 30322

Note support of GADRC in memory of Rita Harvey in memo of check