Rita P. Hogan Hendrix, 97, passed away on January 7, 2021 in Acosta-Rua Center for Caring in Jacksonville, FL after a short illness.   Rita was born in Statenville, GA on January 21, 1923 to the late Lonnie M. Henderson and Margaret Joyce Henderson. She grew up in Statenville, GA, where she attended Statenville High School and graduated at age 16.   She married the love of her life, Paul E. Hogan in 1942, a union that produced 4 loving children. A few years after the war, the couple settled down in Jasper, FL, where she was a housewife and enjoyed sewing, cooking and raising their 4 children together.  Paul preceded her in death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Marie Taylor, Alton Henderson, Herbert Henderson and her great grandson, Tyler Stamper.

Rita’s family was her life. She thoroughly enjoyed the midday meals that her daughter Linda would cook, family members coming by to eat, spending time with her and listening to her many funny stories of when she was growing up in Statenville.  She was extremely smart, witty and had a better long-term memory than any of her children. She was a Christian and a member of Southside Baptist Church for many years.  She was unable to attend church the last few years due to her hearing loss but loved the Lord.   

She is survived by 1 sister, Lillian McAdams of Douglasville, GA, 4 children, Don (Sheron) Hogan, Linda (Bobby-deceased) Stamper, Diane Dicks, all of Lake City, FL and Paula (Steve) Mitchell of Sellersburg, Indiana; grandchildren, Jason Hogan, Jaime (Danny) Weber, David Stamper, Chris (Jamie) Stamper, Veronica Martin, Jim Coker, Wendy Pillars, Tara Townsend, Renee Mitchell, Shawn Mitchell and Shane (Tanya) Mitchell. Also surviving are 21 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and loving nieces and nephews, many of whom thought of her as their second mother. 

Graveside services to honor Rita will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Lake City, FL on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 3 p.m. for family and close friends with pastor Herman Hampton and family friend, Shawn Boone officiating.  Pallbearers are David Stamper, Chris Stamper, Shane Mitchell, Shawn Mitchell, Kyle Pillars and Ryan Collins.    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southside Baptist Church, 388 SE Baya Dr, Lake City, FL 32025.