IVOR — Rita Thompson McCormick, 72, passed away peacefully in her home on Aug. 2, 2017.

She was born to the late Ralph Wesley Thompson and Jessie Elene Thompson on July 14, 1945, at Appalachian Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Surviving members of her immediate family include her son, Timothy E. McCormick; her husband of 16 years, Ronald T. Stephens; sisters, Linda Conkin, and husband, Mike; Margaret Gurkin and husband, Lewis; and Beverly Thompson; and a brother, Vernon Thompson.

Rita worked at the Newport News Police Department and Windsor High School in Windsor, Virginia.

To her, the most important jobs she had was caring for others and making a comfortable home for herself and her family; at these, she excelled.

Despite many difficulties and hardships in her life, she never allowed herself to become cynical. She chose to see the good and beauty in every day and every person. Love, warmth and hospitality were the essence of Rita and for this she will forever be cherished by her friends and family.

She loved her home, flowers wild and domestic, gardening, cooking, children, family, friends and, of course, her beloved hound, Jimmy. But most of all she loved and enjoyed life. For her, every day was a gift and every day spent with Rita was a gift to all who loved her.

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, in Wright Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their gratitude to New Century Hospice and her caregivers for the comfort and assistance provided in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Pancreas Foundation in her memory. A link to the donation page can be found on their website at pancreasfoundation.org. or those interested may make a donation in her name to a charity or foundation of their choice.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.