Rita K. James, 66, of Newton, passed away on August 2, 2019, in Beaumont.

A memorial service for Rita will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 11, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Newton, Texas.

Born in Toomey, Louisiana, on July 4, 1953, she was the daughter of Elbert Leslie King and Eula Priscilla Ozan King. Rita loved plants, flowers and spending time gardening. She enjoyed visiting her family and friends. Rita had a deep love for music and could play the piano by ear. She loved her family dearly, and will be missed by all who came to know and love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elbert and Priscilla King; brother, Morris King; and sisters, Catherine Andrews, Marie Powell, and Ruby Sexton.

She is survived by her loving husband, Henry James; daughter, Jennifer Lee Couey and husband Shane; grandchildren, Jacob Couey, Austin Couey, and Levi Couey; siblings, Ann Colvin of Luling, Lousiana, Janie Richardson of Sulphur, Louisiana, Gladys Wilson of Old Salem, Texas, Donna McClelland of Morgan City, Louisiana, and David Berg of Port Arthur, Texas.