Rita Faye Leggett

RITA FAYE THORNTON GAMBRELL LEGGETT Rita Leggett, at age 69 met her savior on February 21, 2014. She passed away at her home in the Glade Community after many years of battle with several severe illnesses. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 24,2014. at Memory Chapel with burial to follow in Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Rev. Brandon Powell will officiate. She was born Dec. 12, 1944 at the old Laurel General Hospital to her proud parents George Lamar and Verdie Lee Thornton. She began her schooling at Sandersville. Later in life and after several schools, she moved to Soso where she finished High School. She made numerous friends that she still has to this day. She was a dedicated member of the West Laurel Baptist Church. She loved to work with children and during her life she taught in Sunday School, Training Union, and Bible School for youngsters. She loved to travel. While still healthy she and her husband Albert, visited all the Continental United States, Mexico and Canada several times. They worked many years as a team for the Hamas Shrine Temple doing lots of traveling and making many good and lasting friendships along the way. While still active she planned the activities for the sponsored children of the Laurel Shrine Club. She severed the club as President of the Ladies Aux, and President of the Telephone Wives Aux. while her husband was employed with the Bell System. She worked eighteen years at the Shrine food booth at the South Mississippi Fair. She was a charter member of the Dixie Hills Utility District. She served on their board for over thirty years. She was preceded in death by her husband Wilmer Harold Gambrell in October of 1968. By her parents George Lamar Thornton in 1955 and Verdie Lee Parrish in 1977, two Brothers Drexel Thornton and Varise Thornton and step-father Perry Parrish. She is survived by her loving Husband Albert Leggett of 44 years. Three fine sons, Walt (Connie) Leggett, Bruce (Peggy) Leggett, Terry (Tammy) Gambrell . Nine Grand Children- Josh (Danielle) Leggett, Tasha Gambrell, Kristen (Rodney) Gaines, Jill (Mason) Key, Tabitha (Dean) Robertson, Drew Leggett, Taylor Gamberll, John Leggett, Tiffaney Gambrell and four great granddaughters, Aili, Skyla, Norah and Addy (Mammaw’s Angels), all loved very much! Pallbearers will be Buster Thornton, Doug Thornton, Danny Irwin, Brad Keith, Christopher Thornton and Wesley Thornton. Honorary pallbearer will be Zack Thornton. Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 5-8 PM. Instead of flowers please help a child by making a donation to the Laurel Shrine Club Transportation Fund, 4451 Hwy 15 North, Laurel, MS 39443.

Rita Faye Leggett

December 12, 1944 - February 21, 2014