Rita Janette Lockhart

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Janette Lockhart, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and beacon of love and kindness. Rita departed this world peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and warmth that will forever be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on October 12, 1948, in the quaint town of Empire, Alabama, Rita was the beloved daughter of Loyd and Myrtle Glover. She was greeted in heaven by her parents, her husband and childhood sweetheart, TJ Lockhart, her brothers James Ray and Jimmy Ray Glover, and her infant sister, baby girl Glover. Rita's life was a tapestry of love, woven with the threads of family and friendship. Her heart was a sanctuary for her children: Judy Melinda Wilkins of Blountsville, Mary Tina Yahn and her husband Carlos of Falkville, Joyce Ann Worley of Cuba, MO, LaWanda Mae Haynes and her husband Jeremy of Trafford, and her son, Terry Junior Lockhart and his wife Melissa of Cuba, MO. Her boundless love extended to her grandchildren—Riley, Johnathan, Kimberly, Courtney, Wayne, Dustin, Trisha, Ashlyn, Veronica, Brandon, Jake, Candice, Jessica, Adam, Tyler, Isaac, Elizabeth, and Emily—and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Her lifelong best friend, Betty Stano, was a constant presence, sharing in both laughter and tears. Rita and TJ's love story is one for the ages. After finding their way back to each other, they married on December 28, 1991, rekindling a romance that had blossomed in their youth. Together, they nurtured and adored six children—Myndi, Tina, Terry, Joyce, LaWanda, and Katheryn—and from those children came the joy of 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. They held a special place in their hearts for Kimberly, whom they helped shape into the remarkable woman she is today. Rita was a woman of many talents and achievements. She graduated from Nursing School at Bevill State Community College in Sumiton, Alabama, and pursued further education, earning three Master’s degrees from Columbia Southern University. Her career as a nurse spanned over 15 years as an LPN, a testament to her nurturing spirit. Alongside her professional endeavors, she owned and managed multiple heating and air businesses in Alabama for over two decades. Her faith was her compass. Having grown up and been baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, she later became an active member of Southside Baptist Church. Her devotion was unwavering, and she missed attending services deeply when her health no longer permitted her to do so. A lover of all creatures, Rita had a tender heart that embraced every stray dog or cat that crossed her path. Her hobbies reflected her love for life's simple pleasures—quilting, gardening, photography, and above all, cherishing her family. Her home was a haven, where everyone felt welcome and cherished, a testament to her gift for making others feel loved. Rita's family extends their deepest gratitude to Heaven Leeper and Karen McCarty for their round-the-clock care during her final days. Your kindness and dedication were invaluable, and we truly could not have managed without you. In honor of Rita's life, a service will be held on May 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at New Horizon Memorial Gardens, located at 5203 Hollis Goodwin Road, Dora, Alabama 35062. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Blount County Adoption Center in Cleveland, Alabama, an organization close to Rita’s heart. As we gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of Rita Janette Lockhart, we remember her as a woman who exemplified love, faith, and kindness. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, and her memory will forever be etched in our hearts.