Rita Pace Slaton, of Foxworth, Mississippi, passed from this life into God’s presence on Friday, February 2, 2024 at the age of 74. She was born in Tylertown, Mississippi to Welton and Jessie O’Quin and has been a lifelong resident of Marion County. Rita was an inspector with Pioneer Aerospace and retired after twenty-two years of employment. She enjoyed gardening and had a talent for growing beautiful flowers and abundant vegetables. She was an excellent cook and delighted in preparing big meals for large family gatherings. Rita was devoted to her family and loved the time spent with them, especially her grandchildren. She considered the Smoky Mountains to be her happy place; but being in the house of the Lord was her favorite place. Rita was a woman of deep faith and served her community and her Lord through her longtime membership with Turnage Chapel Methodist Church where she taught children’s Sunday School for many years. She loved gospel music and was a gifted singer who shared her gift frequently with her church. Rita will be remembered for her sweet smile.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Lynn O’Quinn; a great-grandchild, Davis Stringer; and her first husband, Austin Pace. Rita is survived by her husband, Ray Slaton; a daughter, Vickie McNeese (Pete); a son, Mitchell Pace (Cathy); a sister, Martha Stogner (Allen); two brothers, Lonnie O’Quin (Mary) and Benny O’Quin (Kelly); three grandchildren, Trace McNeese (Jessica), Sissy Stringer (Davy), and Nick Pace; four great-grandchildren, Raynena Pace, Eli McNeese, Daniel Stringer, and Ava James Stringer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation for Rita at Turnage Chapel Methodist Church on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Doctor Ronnie Morgan, will be at the church on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00am. Burial will follow in Turnage Chapel Cemetery assisted by Davy Stringer, Trace McNeese, Nick Pace, Robert Blue, Jamie McAllister, Pete McNeese, Daniel Stringer, and Eli McNeese serving as pallbearers. Levi Blue and Hunter Stringer will serve as honorary pallbearers.
