She valiantly fought a three year battle with cancer and passed away in Jacksonville, Florida while surrounded by loving family and friends.
Rita was born in Panama City, Florida on 6/25/58 to Byron and Meyrline Kirkland. She is a proud graduate of the awesome Englewood High School class of 1976. She enjoyed long walks on the beach hunting for shells and sharks teeth. She loved being with family, especially her 10 grandchildren. She enjoyed to travel and found adventure in everyday life. She was a devoted Jaguar fan and also followed the Gators. Until her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, she was a faithful member and attendee of the North Jax Baptist Church.
Immediately after high school she was employed by Prudential Financial where she remained for over 44 years before retiring in 2020.
She is predeceased by her father Byron Kirkland. She is survived by her husband Mark Cope, daughters Sabrina Williams(Michael), Stephanie Scisco (Mark), Kimberly Frater (Robbie), and Ashley Kicklighter (Jeremy). Grandchildren Mackenzie, Emily, Adley, Alex, Addison, Rylee, Gavin, Hayden, Jacob and Aubree. Mother Meyrline Kirkland. Sister Lisa Johnson (Scott). Nieces, nephews, and many special friends.
Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, on October 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held at North Jacksonville Baptist Church, 8531 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on October 15, 2026, at 12:00 pm.
