Rita "Nana" Lee- Jones passed away on August 22, 2026, after a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering faith. She was born on June 24, 1959, in Houston, Texas to Attis and Bonnie Whitehead. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

A graduate of Houston Community College in Business Management. She dedicated her professional life to accounting, working diligently at Exxon Mobile, Zefco Logging and Staggers Oil Company. Her work ethic was steady, reliable, and respected by all who knew her. Rita was a member of the Mercy Christian Center in Marshall, TX. She lived her faith through service - caring for others, offering support, and showing love in ways both big and small. Her presence was strong, her guidance steady, and her love unconditional.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Deryle Whitehead. Her devoted spirit lives on through her loving husband, Frederick "Cookie" Jones for 30 years, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Rita was the cherished mother to two sons; Reggie (Pya) of Manvel, TX and Ray of Allen, TX, two daughters; Sheree (Tyrone) of Cypress, TX and Tasha (Dan) of Spring, TX. She was the proud grandmother of four granddaughters- JaKaylon, Tristalyn, Ayanna and Faith; nine grandsons- JaKoby, Jakorian, Xavier, Isaiah, Keuntay, Omarian, Deon, Tyler and Je'Caryous and four great-grandchildren- Zoe, Sierra, Mika and Kaleb. Her greatest joy came from caring for her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She poured her heart into nurturing them, guiding them, and instilling the values she held dear to her heart, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends.

Rita leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and faith. She taught us how to love deeply, how to stand firmly in our beliefs, and how to care for one another. Her memory will continue to guide us, comfort us, and inspire us.

Today, we honor her. We celebrate her. And we thank God for the gift of her life!

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home.