Rita Joyce Mason

SUNRISE : September 10, 1951 SUNSET : April 23, 2025

Rita Joyce Mason was born to Robert Moore Sr. and Estherine Yates on

September 10, 1951 in Memphis, Tennessee. Rita was the eldest of 6 children.

Rita gave her life to Christ at an early age in Memphis, Tennessee, at St, John’s Baptist Church. She then came to Stockton, CA to assist her aunt and decided to make Stockton her home. Rita attended both San Joaquin Delta College and the University of the Pacific where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, later to become a teacher. Rita went on to work for the Manteca Unified School District for 33 years before retiring in 2013. Rita loved children and was loved BY children. Her presence was definitely missed after her departure from the district, although she continued on as a consultant and mentor for other teachers new to the field.

Rita was known to be a straight shooter but all who knew her also knew that she spoke out of love. She had a huge heart and showed concern for everyone around her. Many have lovingly remembered all of the cards that she sent that included, “a little piece of money.”

She was an avid reader and sports-enthusiast who could be heard cheering on her favorite teams as you walked up to her front door or a resounding, “THAT’S PITIFUL!,” when they didn’t perform to her standards.

But above and beyond all of her accomplishments, the one that stood out the most and meant the most to Rita was the work that she did in the church and for the Lord. For many, many years, she was actively involved in various auxiliaries like the women’s mission groups, Sunday school, vacation Bible school and she also held office within many of those groups. She was proud, yet humbled to be a woman of faith and a TRUE believer and follower of Christ. Rita was known for being able to bring a relevant and relatable Bible story to mind for almost every situation that one would encounter. She kept God first and would often say, when asked about her plans, “I’ll be there, Lord say the same or God-willing” knowing that God held her yesterdays and all of her tomorrows.

Heaven has truly gained an angel.

Rita leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Steven Mason. Her sister, Jacqueline Underwood; brother, Dale Moore (Valerie); goddaughters, Jeri Gardner-Thompson; LaShonna Jackson (Andre); Elaine Parker; Shauntaye Ashwood (George); godson, Quincy Hammond, nephew, Daniel Gardner, god-granddaughters, Tayler and Kennedy Thompson (Jeri’s daughters); god-granddaughters, Ariana Cabales, Aaliyah Cabales, Alexis Cabales and Andrea Jackson (LaShonna & Andre’s daughters), and great-god-granddaughter, Rari Buckley; as well as her special sisters in Christ, Delores McGill, Janette Neal and Regina Anfield and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, church family and loved ones.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Estherine Moore Sr., siblings Wallace Yates, Robert Moore Jr. and Reginald Moore.

Rita will truly be missed!!

A viewing for Rita will be held Monday, May 5, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, 809 North California, Stockton, CA 95202. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Galilee Baptist Church, 1810 E 10th St, Stockton, CA 95206.