Rita N. Paraway

RITA N. JACKSON PARAWAY was the first child born to the late Robert Jackson and the late Arlene Reaves in Baltimore, Maryland on June 14, 1935. She was raised in a loving family. Mother Rita, as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, as a music major. Rita later attended CCBC pursuing a degree in Social Work. Rita was united in marriage in 1957 to the late Leon Ralph Paraway. From this union was born five children: Terri, Ralph, Michael, Sharon, and Leon aka “Mark.” Two sons preceded her in death, Michael and Mark Paraway. Mother Rita accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. She attended several churches throughout the Baltimore area during her lifetime. She was a member of Waters and Allen AME churches. In her lifetime, Mother Rita played the piano for various churches throughout the Baltimore area. She became a member of Divine Mission Church, which she attended faithfully until her illness. Mother Rita had a witty sense of humor. She enjoyed gardening, attending church services, music concerts and plays, watching television, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members, and friends. Mother Rita departed this life on Friday, May 16, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Terri Bolawa and Sharon White; son, Ralph (Yvonne) Paraway; eight grandchildren, Renard (Jessica), Imani, and Kiara Paraway, Miguel, Janai, and Janise White, Tito and Ikea Bolawa; eleven great-grandchildren, Ilyana, Zachary, Timothy, Jordan, Imani, Jeremiah, and Jackson Paraway, Mykell White, Madison and Eean Smith, and the newest great grandson, Shane Eley; sister, Evangelist Elsalena Monroe; two brothers, Pastor Allen (Laura) Cuffia and Bishop George Cuffia (one brother, Elder Barry Cuffia, preceded her in death); a life- long friend for over 75 years, Lucille Townsend; older cousins, Gladys Smith and Lou Payne; and other cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and church family members.

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Rita N. Paraway

June 14, 1935 - May 16, 2014