Rita Mae Young Lovejoy, 84, of Whitesboro, Texas was ushered into heaven on Friday, November 10, 2023 to a glorious reunion with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her beloved family that had gone on before her.
Rita was born on July 1, 1939 in Delaware Bend, Texas to William “Bill” and Vivian Lucille (Martin) Young. She met a young man named Hank Lovejoy when she was fifteen years old, and the rest is history. Hank and Rita were married on June 15, 1958 in Whitesboro, Texas. They went on to raise three amazing children, mentor countless individuals throughout Whitesboro and surrounding areas and to carry on the legacy of Lovejoy’s on Main in Whitesboro.
Love your neighbor as yourself” was how Rita lived her life. She was a “noticer” of people and what would be helpful to them. She did it quietly, but so consistently, taking countless meals to people who were ill or grieving, making pounds and pounds of candy for her family and delivering on Christmas day (with a carol or two) to those who might’ve spent the day alone. She was a hard worker and loved family. Nina was famous for all the notes she wrote to her kids and family through the years. Making birthdays memorable was one of her favorite ways to celebrate people. She managed to work full-time, cook breakfast and dinner most days, sing at numerous funerals, strain the milk after Hank milked their cow, helped lead a young marrieds Sunday School class for over 25 years with Hank, and had FCA breakfasts at their home. Her grandchildren will think of her every time they eat a waffle! She loved making things beautiful and paid attention to quality and detail, especially in her sewing. She made dresses for herself and her girls all their lives including prom and wedding dresses for both Laurie and Sharon.
She loved the Lord, her Lord, with all her heart and finally saw him along with her precious son, Chris and so many other loved ones, on Friday night. What a reunion she has had!
Rita is survived by her husband, Hank Lovejoy; daughter, Laurie Hilliard and husband, Charles; daughter, Sharon Autry and husband, Pat; grandchildren, Alec and Morgan Hilliard, Abby and Tommy Brandt, Avery Hilliard, Addison Hilliard, Kalie and Tanner Goldsmith, Coutney and Landon Stevens, Brittlea Autry, Crislynn Autry and Davis Autry, great-grandchildren, Arwyn, Jet, Lola, and Loretta Goldsmith, Hudsyn and Kinley Mitchell, Finnik Christoper Stevens, brother, Jack Young and wife, Myna, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Vivian Young, son, Chris Lovejoy, brother, Clinton Young and sister, Verna Mayo.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be designated to “Nativity Live” c/o Georgetown Baptist Church, 207 Georgetown Rd., Pottsboro TX 75076, (903) 786-2233.
Funeral Services honoring Rita will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Whitesboro, officiated by her family. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service time at First Baptist Church.
I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was a wonderful an beautiful lady an was loved by all. She will be missed, but we know she’s with our precious Lord, an one day we will be with her again serving our Lord…
Rita, u will be missedSending love an prayers for the family🌺🙏🏻❤️💐🙏🏻❤️
Precious friend to so many
My condolences to the family.
Hank we are so sorry to hear about Rita. We pray for comfort for you and all the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was such a delightful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Hank, and the rest of the family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Hank, so sorry about Reta..
She is in a better place.
David and Karen Verinder
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to Hank and the entire Lovejoy Family. You are all forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Amoroso
Central Valley, California
Our thoughts and prayer’s for the Lovejoy Family.
Such a wonderful Christian friend You could always depend on Rita being gracious and kind. We had many laughs and I’m looking forward to the day when we can hug and laugh again. Yes she is in a far far better place but she will be missed. Her children and grandchildren are a living legacy of her love. So sorry for your loss Hank. Keep spirits up and remember she continues to count on you to share her love for Christ. Love all of you
To the entire Lovejoy family,
We are so heartbroken for you all. What a wonderful life lived. She was loved by so many! Prayers of peace and comfort for you all.
Much Love,
The Cogburn Family
Hank and family, our heart goes out to you. Rita was such a sweet spirit and good friend. She will be missed, but she is with her Lord now. may God’s love consol you and the family. Dr. David and Dianne Bertino
Hank,
I am sorry to hear about Rita and I know she in heaven talking with Jesus.
You guys are great people and a wonderful example of real Christianity. If you need anything, please let me know.
Greg Rucker 254-366-3467
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you all.
We are so sorry for your loss. Rita was such a sweet lady.
May God give you peace and comfort.
Chuck & Mary Salisbury
You’ve both been such wonderful friends over the years from our arrival in the community over 50 years ago, being in your Sunday School class and connection through our kids. Our heart breaks for your loss, but the legacy and memories she left us all will always be there. For that, we thank Him!
God bless you, from all The Bilderback’s
We are saddened by the loss of a Rita. She is now with those who have preceded her but especially the Lord. We are praying for you and all of family. Still remember when Rita would go to work and leave Chris with Ruby and me. Special times. We love all of you and pray God’s peace and mercy for each of you .
My thoughts and prayers are with your lovely family at this time of great loss. Rita was such a wonderful person. Your family has brought such joy to so many people. Love and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Hank. What place she has now in our Savior’s arms much love Scott and Barbara Neighbors
Mrs. Lovejoy was such a sweet woman. She truly lived up to her name. She LOVED on all of her patrons at Lovejoy’s and brought JOY to all whom she interacted with. We are so sorrowful for your loss. She will be missed.
I was so saddened when I received the Whitesboro News-Record in the mail yesterday to read that Rita was no longer with us. She had a smile that lit up the room. It was just so comforting to be in her presence. My prayers for all the family and friends
Kay and I are saddened of Rita ‘s passing. She and Hank were as one. They had a great influence on our Baum Family. Talking about with her and Hank about the old days of Whitesboro were always enlightening. Her smile and helpful personality will. The legacy of her family she brought into the world and Whitesboro will always be there.
Many prayers, love and hugs to the Lovejoy family all the days to come. She was a blessing to me throughout my life and her and Hank played a vital role in our beginning years of marriage as they taught us in sunday school. We love you all.
Deepest sympathy to Hank and the family for their loss! Rita was a loving and kind soul. She will be deeply missed.