Rita Renee Brunson

Rita Renee Brunson, 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and extended family on March 15, 2024, at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland.  She was born on April 15 1958, in Newark, New Jersey to Gloria A. Roberts and the late Frank George Jr.

She attended Public Schools in the Newark, New Jersey. She briefly attended Central High School and then went on to attend and graduate from Weequahic High School. Rita met Roscoe Brunson Jr. during the Summer of 1978. They began dating, fell in love and decided to become one on June 26, 1980. Rita, Roscoe, and their sons traveled the world for 23 years, while Roscoe served in the US Marine Corp and later in the US Army.  She cherished their time living in Germany, eight years total, where the family had opportunities to visit, Italy, Austria, Spain, England, Switzerland and an occasionally short drive across the border to France on weekends for fresh pastries and bread. After returning back to the US, she talked non-stop about one day returning back to Germany. The family traveled everywhere together and everyone knew the love between Rita and Roscoe was real. The couple has been inseparable until the Lord gave her wings and called her home.

Rita earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California Southern University in 2013. She also received her Master Degree in Early Childhood Education from Capitol State University (2003), Master of Arts (2004) and Doctor of Philosophy (2007) in Special Education from Glendale University.

Rita was a hard-working lady, that spent her life in service of others. She worked several jobs to provide for her family. No job was beneath her to make sure her family was provided for. She was employed by the Federal Government as an Arts and Craft Specialist, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Cook at a Military Dining facility, Volunteered at (Street Sense), a church and homeless shelter, and she was a teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, as well as, an adjunct Professor with the University of Maryland Global Campus. She loved teaching children, especially those with learning disabilities. She enjoyed travelling to Europe. She continuously sought to expand her own education in the field of psychology and early childhood education. She was a serial entrepreneur… she sold food, paintings, t-shirts, ceramics, handbags, shoes, and much more. She loved horror movies. But her undisputed highest joy in life was bringing her family and friends to her home, cooking for them, playing some good music, having a great time, and creating memories that will last forever!

Rita loved life, her family and her numerous friends. She radiated a friendly personality, strong character and a sense of purpose which was evident in her appearance and the unique smile she gave to all she met. Her famous “sweet potato pie and pineapple upside-down cakes” will be forever missed. It will be hard to continue life without our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, niece and friend to many.   

Rita was preceded in death by her Father (Frank George Jr.) and her younger brother (Hassan Roberts). To cherish her memory, she is survived by her mother (Gloria Roberts), her Husband (Roscoe Brunson Jr.), her Sons (Quane and Damon), her Daughter In-Law (Melida), her Grandchildren (Nyeema, Julian, Jayden, Milani, Indira, and Ezra), her Grandson In-Law (Kenny), and her Great Grandson (Amiri). She is also survived by her sisters and brothers (Gwendolyn Roberts, Darlene Davis, Francine Williams, Denise Powell, Ronald Flowers, Keith Buggs and Larry Robinson).     

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Renee Brunson, please visit our floral store.