Of all beautiful things in life, the most beautiful is character.A beautiful life is the fruit of a beautiful character.She whom we memorialize at this time, possessed a beautiful character and lived a beautiful life.At evening time there shall be eight hours behind us-the work and the burdens of the day.After we reach the hour, there comes a call from one who rules the universe; who brings peace to a weary heart, and God giveth his loved ones sleep.
Iretha "Rita" Westerfield was born on January 5, 1954 in DeKalb, MS to the union of the late Randolph and Mary Lean Westerfield.She accepted Christ at an early age.She was the third of four children. To a second union were five siblings.Rita was extremely bright and outgoing as a child.She loved to learn and grasp all the knowledge she possibly could.
Rita graduated from Garfield Heights High School in Cleveland, class of 1971.She later moved to Flagstaff, Arizona in 1991, attended Coconino Community College, and received her Associates degree as she worked part time at the college.She began working at Northern Arizona University as an Office Specialist in the Capital Assets department.She worked at NAU for 10+ years.
Rita is preceded in death by, her parents Randolph Westerfield and Mary Lean Jackson.Also, preceded her in death are her siblings, Laployd, Randy and Kimberly Westerfield.She leaves mourn and cherish her memory two daughters, Regina Westerfield of Tucson, AZ and Zauria Bryant of Flagstaff, AZ, a granddaughter, Zamara Lloyd.Siblings, MaryAnn Mangum of New Orleans, LA, Yolonda Byrd (William), Melvin Pride Jr., Angela Williams (Rashid), Ranice White (Kenny) all of Cleveland, Oh.Special aunts and uncle, Flossie, Tharnell, Moneq, Thelma and Elmer, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.
Rita enjoyed her place of employment and valued the friendships that were established there.She had a fond love for reading romance and crime novels.She enjoyed camping, fishing, crocheting and traveling.She was very close to her family and had a beautiful smile that could light up a room. As a young woman, Rita loved spending Sunday afternoons visiting with her father and watching football.Hopefully there's a big screen TV in Heaven where they can continue the tradition. We love her dearly, but God loves her the most!
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm.Both visitation and service will be held at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, 2545 N. Fourth St., with service to conclude at the mortuary.
In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Compass Bank, Account #2521700451.Cards can be sent directly to the family or emailed to Condolences@Lozanos-FlagstaffMortuary.com