Rita Joyce (Lai) Camp

With profound gratitude for the deep and steady presence she was in our lives, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved “rock,” Rita J. Lai Camp, age 95, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at home.

Rita was born in 1930 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies. She married the love of her life, Ray Hoover Camp, while he was stationed in Trinidad with the U.S. Navy. Together they built a life that took them to many places—Memphis, TN; back to Trinidad; Millington, TN; Oxnard, CA; and Okinawa—before settling in Ray’s hometown of Concord/Farragut, Tennessee, in 1968 after his retirement from the Navy.

Only four years after moving to Concord/Farragut, Rita was widowed and faced the enormous challenge of raising their five children on her own. She met this challenge with strength, grace, and determination, while also working and eventually retiring from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Rita loved her family deeply. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a true friend to many. She found joy in her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandboys, who were a source of constant pride and affection.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray H. Camp (1972), her parents Bertha and Sydney Lai, her three brothers and one sister, and her grandson, Jordan Camp.

She is survived by her sons Richard (Rick) Camp, Ronald (Ronnie) Camp, and Russell Camp; her daughter Rena Amerson (John); her nephew and “bonus son” Harvey Letson (Jacqueline); her grandchildren Cori Dotson (Austin), Christine Camp (Zack), Kelsey Irwin, and Nicholas (Nick) French (Bethany); and her great-grandsons Stratton, Parks, and Miles French. She is also remembered with love by her dear friend Patsy Gray, and many others who became family through love.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Clinch River Health Care for their compassion and support.

Please join us in celebrating Rita’s extraordinary life on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during a casual gathering from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Two Rivers Pavillion, 4450 Wrights Ferry Rd., Louisville, TN 37777. In honor of her vibrant personality and signature style, guests are encouraged to wear her favorite leopard or zebra prints.

Rita lived with strength, love, and an unwavering spirit—we are forever grateful for her legacy.

Please check back for updated service information.