Mrs. Rita Joan Cox, 72, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her residence following an extended illness. She is the daughter of the late Hiram Marvin and Arrie Lee Blankenship Jenkins. She is preceded in death by two brothers, Billy and Ricky Jenkins, and one son-in-law, Jason Harry. She was a lifelong resident of Lake City and a member of Lantern Park Baptist Church and attended Southside Baptist Church. She worked and retired from the VA Hospital after thirty-four years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and going to Hardee's each day for breakfast.

Mrs. Rita is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Gordon Cox, Lake City, FL one daughter Amy Harry, Lake City, FL: one grandson Tyler Harry (Rebecca) three great grandchildren Theo, Sawyer, and Brewer Harry and one on the way and a special niece Beth Dean (Byron) Trenton, FL. and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Rita Cox will be at 11:00 A.M.  on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Southside Baptist Church in Lake City, FL, with Pastor Richard Rodriguez officiating. Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City, FL. Visitation with the family will be held Monday evening, December 1, 2025, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Southside Baptist Church. 388 SE Baya Drive Lake City, FL 32025.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com

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