Mrs. Rita M. Gradick, age 79, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in the comfort of her home with family.
On February 25, 1945 Rita Marguerite Tison Gradick was born to James Mack Tison and Helen Willingham Tison at Eglin Airforce Base in Florida. She was the eldest of their 5 children and grew up in the Methodist Church.
After graduating from Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA, Rita moved back to Florida where she volunteered with the Red Cross at Eglin Airforce Base. While volunteering at the base she met her husband of 60 years, Leon M. Gradick. They welcomed a daughter 6 years after marrying. Later, she attended the Florida School of Insurance and became a licensed general insurance agent in the state of Florida, where she enjoyed a long and successful career. After moving to Thomaston, GA she worked as an office manager for the late Dr. Charles Mixon, and then for Mr. James Franklin.
Rita was an avid reader, loved music, and loved to dance. She enjoyed stargazing and listening to the frogs sing their songs down by the creek. She took pride in making her home a place of comfort and welcome. But most importantly, she loved her family and fur-babies, and valued her friendships.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, James and Helen Tison, brother James Michael Tison, sister Linda Tison Turk, and brother-in-law Herman William Gradick, Jr. She is survived by her husband Leon M. Gradick, daughter Stevie M. Gradick, sister Susie (Michael) Hutson, sister Sandie Tison, brother-in-law Richard Turk, godson and nephew Christopher Turk, niece Miranda (Barry) Buck, nephew John R. Lakin, nephew Damien (Julia) Clauson, nephew Jim (Jue) Lakin, nephew John C. (Sarah) Clauson, niece Nicole Tison, nephew Jason (Jessica) Tison, as well as many cousins and great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Lighthouse Community Church in Byron, GA. In lue of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the Upson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286. Coggins Funeral Home
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