Rita Daphine Jenkins George

Rita Daphine Jenkins George, age 70, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 24, 2022 while visiting her sister in Bunnell, Florida. Rita was born on August 6, 1951, to Odell and Daphine (Philman) Jenkins. Rita grew up in the Fairchild Oak Tree area in Ormond Beach, Florida, and graduated from Seabreeze High School with the class of 1969. When she was a teen, she met her husband-to-be Marlan George at a skating rink in Ormond. They married on July 11, 1970. Rita trained as a cosmetologist and worked as a hair stylist for many years. She lived in many places around Florida following Marlan's job as a Union Pipefitter. In the early 80’s they moved to Augusta, Georgia. Rita and Marlan raised a family of nine children, and she was very dedicated to her family. By necessity, Rita became an expert in running her home on a tight budget. She enjoyed gardening and canning her fruits and vegetables, baking her children's birthday cakes from scratch. By her efforts there was always plenty, and nobody went without. She was a strict, but loving mother and always willing to help anyone out. She seemed to have encyclopedic knowledge on just about any subject and loved to learn new things. She had love for all kinds of crafts and hobbies from junk journals, scrap books, calligraphy, wood working, bee keeping and master gardening. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse after her 9 children left home, setting an example for education and learning. Rita will always be remembered for her love of homemaking and caring for others. Her favorite thing to say to her children as they were growing up was “If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.” Everyone who knew Rita was touched by her love and kindness in a way that left an impression for life. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Waynesboro Ward. She will be deeply missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marlan, son, Joshua George, and a brother, Sydney Jenkins. She is survived by daughters, Alyeen Lim and husband Brent of Oklahoma, Stephanie George of Grovetown, GA., Emily Allen and husband Andrew of Wadley, GA., Molly Shapiro and husband Colin of Acworth, Ga., Caroline Talburt and husband Josh of Augusta, Ga.; sons, Randy George of Augusta, GA, Mathew George of Augusta, GA, Barton George Sr.; sisters, Bonnie Davis and husband Joe, Donita Long and husband Charlie, Meryl Share; brothers, Danny Jenkins and wife Stacey, Daniel “Buddy” Jenkins and wife Shirley; sister in law, Jane Jenkins; 22 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Pellicer Creek Cemetery in Hastings. Online condolences can be made at https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/. Those unable to attend can view the service live streamed by clicking this link St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rita Daphine Jenkins George

August 6, 1951 - June 24, 2022