Rita C. (Gibson) Barr, age 79, passed from this life into the presence of her Lord on October 2, 2023, at Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR. She was born April 11, 1944, in Leachville, AR, to James Clay Gibson and Donnie Beatrice (Routon) Gibson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Clay (J.C) Gibson Jr. (June); a sister, Glenna Gale Kluge (Robert); a nephew, James Clay Gibson III (Jayme); and the father of her children and the love of her life, Jimmy Barr, Sr.

She is survived by three daughters, Angela Boone, of Paragould, AR, Sherry Graves (David) of Gurdon, AR, Barbara Kemper of Boydsville, AR; one son, Jimmy Barr, Jr. of Paragould, AR; one sister, Barbara Ridgeway (Kenny) of Cabot, AR; nine grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Rita loved the St. Louis Cardinals and Nascar. She was a wonderful mother and friend and a Christian who looked forward to being united with her Lord.

The family will receive friends at Phillips Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until service time at noon on Friday, October 6, 2023, with David Graves officiating. Burial will follow at Greene County Memorial Gardens.

Kyle Graves, Bryson Potter, Jared Mitchell, Hunter Kemper, Wesley Mitchell, and Isaac Barr will serve as pallbearers. Landry Mitchell, Kenny Ridgeway and Kiefer Ramsey will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Lasting memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.