On November 23, 2025, Dorethia "Rita" Gholson peacefully departed this life at VCU Health Medical Center.

Born on January 15, 1966, in Hopewell, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Richard and Carol Gholson. Rita was raised in Hopewell and graduated from Hopewell High School. After high school, she embraced her independence and embarked on new chapters of life in Blackstone, Virginia, and later Raleigh, North Carolina, before returning to Virginia.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Carol Gholson; her brother, Charles Gholson; as well as uncles and aunts, Arthur Ford, Robert Ford, Ruth P. Walker, Martha L. Boisseau, Dora L. Wyche, Roosevelt Gholson, Alexander Gholson, Floyd Gholson, Lawrence Gholson, Wilbert Gholson, Harry Gholson, Larry Gholson, Robert Gholson Jr, and Freddie L. Gholson.

Many will remember Rita from her years of dedicated service in various management roles with KFC and Hardee's. More recently, she was employed as a Franchise Development Consultant with Coverall North America, for 10 years. She was a faithful member of Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church, where she served as a Deacon, usher, and a member of media ministry, as well as community service.

To know Rita was to know her deep love for her cherished fur baby, Rusty. She never missed an opportunity to share stories or photos of her beloved companion. Rita also treasured staying connected with family across the country; she was the glue who brought people together. Rita had a curious and joyful spirit when it came to technology. She loved exploring new gadgets, apps, and devices, and she was often the first in the family to try out the latest tech trend. Whether she was sharing a new discovery, helping someone set up their phone, or simply marveling at how fast things changed, her excitement was contagious. Her radiant smile and infectious laughter could brighten any room, and she was always just one phone call away—ready to support, encourage, and uplift those she loved.

She leaves to cherish her memory: four siblings, Jacqueline King, Willie Gholson, Ruth Gholson, and Carolyn Dixon (Terry); her uncle, Willie Ford (Jean); her aunts, Modestine Ford and Janie Ford; her nieces and nephews:, Calvin Brown, Alethia Tyler, Carol Brown, Otis Tyler, Jr., Davon Lane, Nikki Lane, and Rashawn Lane; and great-nephews, Amir Rollins and Dae'Quone Brown. She is also remembered with love by her devoted friend, Dianne Minor, and a host of cousins, and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 1, 2025, at Richmond Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 3700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.