August 15, 1975 - June 2, 2025
Rita Denise Franklin, age 49, died on Monday, June 2nd 2025, at Eagle Health and Rehab under the care of hospice due to a long fight with her illness. Mrs. Rita was born in Bulloch County on August 15th, 1975. She attended Statesboro High School and later became wonderful mother to three beautiful kids. Rita enjoyed traveling and being outdoors, her favorite spot was the mountains, she loved to be around her friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her father Willie James Huggins (South Carolina), her mother, Rita Annette Huggins (Statesboro, GA), late husband Johnny Levon Weatherford (Latta, SC), her grandmother, Ruby Dean Sheffield (Statesboro, GA), cousin, Corey Sheffield (Statesboro, GA)
She is survived by her son, Jeffery Dyches, her daughters Alexis Wilson (Malcolm Wilson), and Mary Weatherford (Cecil McCollum), her grandchildren, Amarion Wimbery, Asher Wilson, Millia Dyches, A’Nahla Wilson, Achilles Wilson, her brother, Wesley Huggins, step mother Linda Huggins, her aunts, Patsy Wise (Bill Wise), Nancy Sheffield (Donnie Sheffield), along with many cousins who loved her deeply.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
A graveside service will follow at Middleground Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner- Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.