Lorita Jane Thigpen

Lorita Jane Turner Thigpen (known as “Rapid Rita” to NASCAR and stock car fans everywhere) died on February 26, 2018 at the age of 77 years old. She was diagnosed with lung cancer only six weeks ago. She passed at her home with her family at her side.

Lorita grew up on the Northside of Jacksonville, Florida and graduated from high school at Andrew Jackson. She was saved and baptized at Beverly Hills Baptist Church at the age of 13. She would often volunteer her time to the church and taught vacation bible school. She enjoyed NASCAR and stock car racing with her family. She was a David Pearson fan and often enjoyed bantering back and forth with her brother-in-law, Johnny Thigpen, who was a Richard Petty fan. After the untimely death of her youngest daughter, Lorita took on the huge responsibility of caring for her quadriplegic and 100% disabled granddaughter, Melissa. This would be her greatest accomplishment in her life according to her.

She is predeceased by two daughters, Karen Marie Domin and Sandra Claire Proctor. She is survived by two daughters, April Jessie Devine and Christine Jane Branch; sister, Beverly Tison; brother, David Turner; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for the compassionate and professional care they bestowed upon Lorita in her final days. She was able to pass with minimal pain and discomfort. She is now safely in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is serving the family.