Rita Hailey-Burks, 68, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at her home in Oak Grove. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church with interment in Ladner-Muckelrath Cemetery to follow.
Rita is survived by husband of thirty-five years, Tommy Burks of Oak Grove; a son, Wyler (Erin) Burks of Marble Falls, TX; a brother, Dale Hailey of Wesson, MS; two sisters, JoAnn Hailey of Wesson, MS, Sharon (Bobby) Baird of Olive Branch, MS.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Scott and Lois Hailey.
Philippians 4, 5-7 instructs all to “Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep our hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.” These instructions, exemplify the life lived by Rita Hailey-Burks. A faithful Christian, her devotion to the Lord manifested through the love she showed to those around her, especially her family and friends. For Thirty-Five Years, she fulfilled one of her most cherished roles; loving wife and mother to Tom and Wyler. Rita’s family circle extended past immediate family members to also include the members of her church, Oak Grove United Methodist. Rita served her church family in many ways over the years. The Trustees Committee, MES Circle, Knit Whit Prayer Shawl Ministry, and helping to create dresses for Honduras Missions, to name but a few. Ever an active member, there was one aspect of her church family that held a special place in her heart, and life. The Young at Heart Sunday School Class. This special group of church family showed the true love of Christ Jesus throughout years of fellowship, that was most evidenced through their constant vigil in her final days.
A quiet determination allowed Rita to break through both academic and professional glass ceilings, as she was the first female to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi, and subsequently completed a Masters of Business Administration. Her dedication to her professional field, and Alma Mater, took her through thirty-seven years, retiring as Project Manager for the Southern Miss Physical Plant. Stepping foot in most any building on campus, one will see some aspect that she played a vital role in selecting.
Rita was a horse show mom extraordinaire. Never was there a horse show where she could not be found with a grooming apron making sure the Burks’ horses (and children) looked their best, standing at an entry gate giving words of encouragement, or making sure everyone had a hot bowl of taco soup after a long day of competition. There were even times she threw her hat in the ring as a competitor!
A love for service and philanthropy, led Rita to become an active member of the Hattiesburg Elks Lodge. Organizing fundraisers, traveling to National Conventions with Tom, and the view of the lake, all brought a smile to her face.
We were each blessed to know Rita. Her gentle attitude toward everyone, and thankful heart, made a woman whose life will be remembered warmly and fondly. At this time, please, remember all the reasons she made you smile. She always uplifted others. May she continue to do so from her heavenly home.
Visitation for Rita will be at 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Wednesday February 26, 2020 ,at the Oak Grove United Methodist Church.
At the request of the family, memorials may be directed to the Oak Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund.
