Rita Faye Sowell Mashburn

On April 26, 2026, Rita Faye Sowell Mashburn, 92, ran through the gates of heaven. As her nephew said, “she hoed all the way to the end of the row”. Visitation will be held on Tues. April 28, 2026 from 5pm-7pm at Pelahatchie Baptist Church and on Wed. April 29, 2026 from 10am-11am at Pelahatchie Baptist Church. Funeral Services are 11am on Wed. April 29, 2026 at Pelahatchie Baptist Church with burial to follow in the Shiloh Cemetery in Pelahatchie, MS.

She was strong-willed, independent and wonderfully stubborn in the way only the strongest people can be. She would want everyone to know that she never gave up driving and that she wasn’t putting on-she really was sick.

Rita Faye lived a full and memorable life. She grew up in the Shiloh community with her parents, Mabel and Willie Green, and her adored older brother, Billy. After attending Gulde School, she graduated from Brandon High School. Rita Faye was a standout basketball player, making 52 points in a single game. She continued playing basketball while at Hinds Junior College.

After marrying her longtime love, Jack Mashburn, and once they had children, her main focus was her family. Rita Faye was famous for her homemade jelly and yeast rolls. She loved cooking for people and having them gather around her table. She also enjoyed working word search puzzles, watching the Game Show Network, scrolling Facebook, going out to eat and planning trips. For many years she led the Young at Heart group at Pelahatchie Baptist Church. She planned their trips and activities which created many happy memories and led to great friendships.

Rita Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Mashburn, her much loved granddaughter, Leah Cunningham, her parents, Willie Green and Mabel Sowell, and her brother, Billy Sowell.

Her survivors include daughters, Monica Edwards (Clyde), and Carmen Cunningham. Much loved granddaughters, Chloe Rowe (Jonathan), Brooke Cunningham, Ella Edwards and Lila Edwards. Many special nieces and nephews along with her granddog, Asher, who has brought her much joy and companionship.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Pelahatchie Baptist Church.