Ms. Rita Marshall

Rita Marshall, passed away on September 30, 2024. Rita Mae Marshall, a cherished individual known for her kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, left us on September 29, 2024. Rita Berry was born to the proud parents of the late Alrice Alwin and Eulala Violena Berry in Kansas City, Kansas November 21, 1943. She grew up in a loving family among her siblings. She had a colorful childhood and a special bond with her brothers and sisters who she loved dearly. Her family grew up on Walker Avenue in Kansas City Kansas until they moved to Everett Avenue where they opened a neighborhood grocery store that was connected to their house. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and attended Eighth Street Baptist Church. She began her education at Douglas Elementary School and graduated from Sumner High School. Rita received her Bachelor’s Degree from Central Missouri State University. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Avila University. She received several professional and academic certifications from higher learning institutions such as Notre Dame and Indiana University. Rita was a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching transformed the lives of countless students. Her remarkable journey in education spanned over 40 years, leaving an indelible mark on generations of learners. She began teaching at Woodland Elementary in the 1960s. She also taught at Sanford B. Ladd, Wendell Phillips, and later became a principal at Troost Elementary. Rita initially retired in 1996, but ended up returning to the profession she was so dedicated to and later formally retired in 2006. Her innovative spirit also led her to establish and further the reading program for the Kansas City Missouri School District. Rita also taught at Metropolitan Community College where she taught English and Literature while running a paraprofessional program at University of Missouri Kansas City. Through this program she trained teachers and placed them into different inner-city schools. Rita’s passion for education didn’t stop at teaching, she also took students on college tours introducing teenagers to higher education. While attending CMSU she met and married Bishop Baker who was in the service. Through this union they were blessed with her only child Monica Elaine Baker. She later married Carl Marshall. Rita lived a full life and remained active her entire life. She loved to laugh and dance and even took up belly dancing. She also enjoyed swimming, reading, learning other languages, and traveling. She spent several weeks in Africa to continue her education and stayed to explore the country after she finished her degrees. Her religion was also important to her; she was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist church for over 40 years. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rita was a devoted family woman. Her children and grandchildren were everything to her. She was predeceased by her daughter, Monica Baker; her siblings, Bertelle Ray Berry; Beverly Jean Braxton; Brenda Joyce Berry Clark; and Clarence Douglas Berry. She is survived by her brother, Brent Albert Berry (Ruby); her grandson, William Sanders Jr. (Twyla); her granddaughters, Candace Sanders; Diamond Seay; and Bianca Jamison; her great-grandchildren, Martell, Taelyn; Chloe; William III; Noraj; Laila; Promise; and Tyran. Also, Rita had several nieces; nephews; cousins; a host of relatives and lifelong friends. Memorial Services (Family Directed) will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church 3516 East 35 th Street KCMO 64128. Private Disposition. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com .

Ms. Rita Marshall

November 21, 1943 - September 30, 2024