Rita (Smith) Bevels

Rita Bevels, a resident of Birmingham, AL departed this life to eternal rest on January 15, 2023. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2:00pm at Eastside Funeral Home Chapel.

Rita Smith Bevels was born on August 31, 1958, to the late McKinley and Leatha Carter Smith in Birmingham, Alabama. She was educated in the Birmingham City School system, attended Hayes High school, and later finished her G.E.D. Rita accepted Christ later in life, praise GOD. Rita was known for putting her five brothers: the late Anthony Smith, the late Stanley Smith, Michael Smith, Victor Smith, and the late Dennis Smith, first in her life. She loved them dearly. She worked various labor jobs for many years, she was a talented tradeswoman and was good with her hands. Rita had an infectious sense of humor, no matter the subject, you had no choice but to laugh. She was a beautiful, high-spirited, feisty woman and a very giving person. She did things in her own way, she loved, encouraged, battled, laughed, and spoke the truth in her own way. She was very proud and loved her children (Tamika Bevels, Dolomand D Ayers, and Victoria Riley). In her younger days, she would tell you that she was a “party girl”, loved to play cards, dance, and spend time with family and friends. She was good at getting friends and family involved in a fiery discussion or celebration. On Sunday morning, January 15, 2023, she transitioned from the site of our finite vision and returned to the infinite GOD from whence she came, to claim her place in the halls of the everlasting life. Rita was preceded in death by her son, Dolomand D. Ayers; parents, McKinley and Leatha Carter Smith; brothers, Anthony Smith, Stanley Smith and Dennis P. Smith. Rita leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Tamika Bevels born to the union of Tyrone and Rita Bevels; two grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas Gladney and daughter, Victoria Riley born to Harold West and Rita Bevels; two siblings and their wives, Michael (Leila) Smith and Victor (Lorie) Smith; family nephews, nieces and cousins, Stanley Smith (children), Anthony Smith (children), Victor Smith (children), Dennis Smith (children), Clinton Smith (children), Ricky Smith (children), Tyrone Bevels (family/children); and a host of close friends, Yolanda Tate, Charmaine James, Stephanie Ross, Jean Cooper, and Paula James, Elyton Village, Smithfield, and Gate City. 

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