Obituary of Rita A Mewborn

On October 15, 2023 Rita Annette Mewborn passed away peacefully with her children and grandchildren at her side. Heaven lit up with a mighty presence that day as the Angels all looked down. For that was the day Rita finally received her crown. Rita Annette Mewborn was born on October 7, 1942 to the late Robert Tracy and Annie Laura Howard in Brooklyn NY. Rita received her early education in the New York City School system. She proudly received her certificate in Therapeutic Recreation and worked in various Nursing and rehabilitation centers as an Activity Coordinator until she retired. Education was very important to Rita and she tried to instill that in her children, grandchildren and everyone she encountered. Rita met “the love of her life” on the” A train” in Brooklyn NY and later married the late Stephen Andrew Mewborn in May of 1966. And from that “ride” four children were born. Rita and Stephen strived together to make a better life for their family and moved out of the city to Willingboro, NJ. In Willingboro, Rita became “a surrogate grandmother” to many and was admired and respected by all the young lives she touched. Rita accepted Christ at an early age and was brought up as a member of the First AME Zion church of Bklyn, NY. After moving to NJ Rita became a member of the Wesley AME Zion Church in Burlington NJ where she remained a member for 40 years. Rita was a Deaconess and member of the Missionary Society where she served as Secretary on the conference level. Rita loved the Lord and was a Methodist at heart, but often told us “It wasn’t where or how you served the Lord, as long as you gave him the time and served him”. Upon relocating to Sicklerville NJ to be closer to her children, Rita joined and was baptized at the Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. There she served as a faithful member and sang on the Choir until her demise. Rita was a caring and generous woman. She was proud, full of grace, faith, and style; She loved to dress, she loved to shop, she LOVED her children, but mostly Rita “Loved the LORD”. She left her mark on EVERYONE and every life she touched. Rita will be greatly missed. Rita departed this life on Sunday, October 15, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Annie Howard; her brother Rev. Dwayne R. Howard and her husband Stephen Andrew Mewborn. She leaves to cherish her memories: sister Barbara Ray, of Decatur Ga; son, Kevin and daughter in law Sharon Mewborn of Millville NJ; daughter, Kimberly Mewborn of Phila, Pa; son, Kenneth Mewborn of Boone, IA and daughter Kristina and son in-law Derek of Sicklerville Nj. Grandchildren: Thomas, Kwacey, Stephen, Kiana, Kyla, Kaliyah, and Kourtney. Great grandchildren: Teyonna, Nazirah, Nariyah, Karter, Chase and Kam. Nephew Gregory Ray, of Decatur, Ga. Adopted children, Christopher Baylor and Sheila “Boo” Williams and a host of other family and friends.