Rita Thompson

Rita Thompson Jackson, 66, of Murphy passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital after an extended illness. Rita was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, NC and was a 1976 graduate of Murphy High School. She held various jobs throughout her life. She loved the lake, her animals, fancy cars, and fancy jewelry. Rita was a great conversationalist and knew how to talk to anybody and made people laugh and smile. She lived her life to the fullest and lived it exactly how she wanted to live it.
She was the daughter of the late Marvin and Mary Berrong Thompson.
Surviving are her husband, Donald Jackson of Murphy, NC; one sister, Martha Ann Thomspon of Maryville, TN; one aunt, Barbara Berrong; lifelong friends, Nancy Chastain Woodard, and Jane Blakemore; and her special ragdoll cat, Booker. She is also survived by several cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be made in memory of Rita Thompson Jackson to the Valley River Humane Society, 7450 US-19, Marble, NC 28905, or to Reach of Cherokee County, Inc, P.O. Box 977 Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge off all arrangements.