of Benton, AR
March 4, 1948 - March 8, 2024
Rita Kay (Cook) Taylor, 76, of Bryant was called home by her Lord and Savior on March 8, 2024 in North Little Rock. She was born to William A. and Ruth N. Cook on March 4, 1948 in Lonoke, Arkansas.
Rita graduated from White Hall High School in 1966. She worked as a Bank Teller for Relyance Bank for over 40 years and was a member at East Side Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. She had a love for the beach, always reading a good book and loved tending to her flowers and plants, she especially loved sunflowers. Her family and friends meant the world to her and she deeply loved them. Her faith in the Lord is what Rita will be remembered for and the love for her Savior was seen by many.
Survivors include her children, Bruce Whitcomb (Vikki) of South Elgin, Illinois, Chris Whitcomb (Krisina) of White Hall, Arkansas, Julie Cox (Derrick) of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ashton Whitcomb, Hannah Mansfield (Gabe), Evan Whitcomb, Jake Cox, Parker Whitcomb, Aiden Whitcomb, Ava Cox; brother, Ronnie Cook; sister, Patsy Stewart and Oscar Taylor, the father of Julie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home with Alan McKinley officiating. After the Celebration of Life service, the family will continue by visiting and sharing stories.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the many prayers that covered Rita and her loved ones.
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19 Condolence(s)
Stacy Dixon Martinez
Monday, May 13, 2024
Julie and family, I just heard about Rita passing. So sorry to hear about her. She has been in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so happy she came to hospital when Pat was in there and we all had a wonderful visit.Rita was a long time friend of our family. Got a lot of memories with her and my sister Pat. Praying for you and the family. Stacy
BillAndBessie Alexander
Friday, March 22, 2024
Prayers for the family.
Anna Shillings
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Julie and family-I am so very sad to hear about Mrs.Rita. She was a precious lady and I know she will be deeply missed. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time.
Phillip and Linda Smith
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Rita was so sweet to work with. Always had a sweet smile for the customers and coworkers
Beth Hulse
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Continued prayers for this sweet family. Beth Hulse
Susan Hill Dubay
Friday, March 15, 2024
I knew Rita from Pine Bluff National Bank. She was a dear Christian friend of mine, we had a lot of phone conversations in recents years and months. We had a wonderful time a few years ago when she came for a visit and she always wanted to do it again, just never worked out.
I will miss you greatly dear friend????????????????????
Margret Parks
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Rest well my friend in GOD'S loving care.
Angela Thayer
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Rita was a lovely lady. Losing your mom is like losing a piece of who you are. Julie, Chris, Bruce & Uncle Jr. you are all in my prayers as is her grandchildren and other loved ones. I remember staying the night with her as a girl. Prayers and thoughts go with you.
JoAnn England
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Rita was a precious friend. Loved her smile. She will be missed.
Linda Work
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Chris, Julie and Pat: So sorry for your loss. Rita was a precious lady who had a warm, accepting spirit. I’m glad our paths crossed at Eastside and I have fond memories of her. ????????
Patricia Neely
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I was so blessed to have met Rita through “Tops”. We became fast friends and that friendship grew through the years. We shared the love of Mexican food and most of all the Lord. We had the many visits when I left Pine Bluff and she would travel to Fort Smith to be with me on several occasions and never was without laughter and tears! There are so many stories and a lot I can never share because they are so deeply profound and priceless and private. Never in my life will I ever know a truer friend than Rita. I think perhaps the one thing I would share is her love for her family. The love for her Grandmother was above all one of the most beautiful. I remember meeting her in the nursing home and our singing Amazing Grace together. That left a lasting effect on me and in my heart. I will miss you my friend and wish I could be there but my health will not allow. Please know I will remember you always, your love for your children, your grandchildren but most of all your Lord. Love forever into eternity and l will see you soon.
Susan Hall Hammers
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I knew Rita my whole life. Rita was such a beautiful person inside out.....she will be missed. She loved her Family & Jesus. I will see her again.
Susan Hall Hammers
Thursday, March 14, 2024
I knew Rita my whole life. What a beautiful person she was inside, out!!! She loved her family & friends & life. I will see Rita again.
Thressia Sidwell Woodfield
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to her family. Patsy. My prayers are especially with you and Ronnie
Carroll sturdivant
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Sorry to here about Rita she was a good friend
Melinda Cupp
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
I'm going to miss you so much ?? ?? you are such a wonderful person and friend! I'm going to miss you so much but one day we will meet again! Fly high my friend! I love you so very much ??
Denise Hendricks
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Rita and I worked together at Pine Bluff National Bank and became close friends. Later in life we reconnected thru my sister Debby Clifton and it was wonderful. I know that Debby was at the Heavens door with all those that went before her. She will be greatly missed. She really loved her children and family. My prayers are with you.
Emelia Carrington
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dear Julie and Family,
Rita was my dearest friend whose kindnesses and love sewn a beautiful tapestry of lifelong memories for me. My treasure box is filled with countless notes and cards she wrote that lifted me in times of sorrow or lit my world no matter what crossed my path.
These gems always came unexpectedly, and like a birdsong at dawn, a pause worthwhie. I cherish many gifts she gave me. Each one has a story that makes me smile. Sometimes on our earthly journey we get lucky to have an angel by our side in a friendship that spans decades. Rita was that for me and I know there are many more women who could probably say the same. She always thought of others. Julie, I want you and yours to know Rita Taylor touched many people with kindness. I know. ??
Emelia Carrington
Leslie Beatty
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I have many wonderful memories of working with Rita at the Bank, Visits and our phone calls for the past couple of years.
Leslie Beatty