Rita Gail Johnson
It is with profound sadness that the death of Rita Gail Johnson is announced. Our beloved Rita passed peacefully on Sunday afternoon, November 2nd, 2025, at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was 74 years of age.

Rita was born on April 28th, 1951, at Blue Jay, West Virginia. Her mother was the late Nedra Mae Meador Ramsden.

Rita was raised by her beloved grandmother, Eva Payne Meador of whom she thought so highly of.

Following high school graduation, Rita began a career with the Beckley Area Veterans Medical Center, where she worked for seven years. Later on she transferred to the Beckley Army Recruiting Battalion Station, retiring as a budget analyst. Rita had 30 years of service with Federal government.
In her younger years, she enjoyed jogging and volleyball.

When we remember Rita we will recall her impeccable appearance and gracious personality. A devoted member of the Beckley Presbyterian Church, Rita sang in the choir. She took great pleasure in the fellowship of her church family. It would be in the chapel of Beckley Presbyterian that Rita would marry her beloved husband, Gerald Ethridge Johnson Jr., on December 31, 1991. She and Jerry would be soul mates for the next 34 years. Jerry loved to tell the story of how Rita's uncle, Jay Meador tried to make a WVU football fan out of her to no avail. But Jerry an Alabaman native had no problem getting Rita on board as a Bama fan, with the Crimson Tide. They would enjoy traveling to Alabama for games.

In her leisure time Rita enjoyed birdwatching, and the company of her cats, Fluffy and Hattie. As her health began to fade, Rita watched the changing seasons from her sunroom. It would be the simple things that she appreciated most.

Our dear Rita will be sorely missed by Jerry and all who knew and loved her. God speed until we all meet again.

A "Service of Remembrance" will be held for Rita Saturday, November 15th at the Beckley Presbyterian Church at 12:00 pm. Friends may call at 11:00 am.

Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has the honor of serving the family during this difficult time.