Rita Etudewosi Adwoa Afenyo was born to Mr. Patrick Kofi Opeku Afenyo and Madam Salome Latevi, both of blessed memory, at Liati Odumase in the Afadjato South District of Ghana on May 14,1956. After a long battle with breast cancer, Rita was surrounded by her loved ones when she went to sleep with the Lord on April 7, 2021.
She attended Liati Agbonyra Primary and Middle Schools, then received her RN and Midwifery certification in Kumasi. She lived in Germany for about 11 years before moving to the United States. In the US, she lived in Birmingham, AL; Columbus, OH; Fayetteville, NC; and Atlanta, GA.
Nursing was a natural profession for Rita. She was compassionate, affable, caring and had an unbridled desire to help those in need even if it meant denying herself. She practiced her profession to the best of her ability. Rita was very industrious right from infancy, and carried this trait to her nursing profession. Even while receiving treatment, she continued to practice nursing until she could no longer work. Rita bore no grudges against anyone and has encouraged her daughters to always forgive. Her nieces, nephews, and siblings will miss her for her love and selflessness.
An open minded and vivacious, lady, Rita loved life and people. She was very passionate about dancing, especially to Borborbor music. She was also passionate about taking pictures, especially of herself. Both of her daughters once said their mom was taking Selfies before the name was invented.
A very smart and outgoing lady, Rita was an active member of many Associations. She was a member of the CEANA Nurses Association, Ghana Healthcare Volunteers, Asanteman Association, Ewe Association of Georgia, Ghana Council of Georgia and the Healthcare Volunteers of Georgia. She had no cultural boundaries. Needless to say, Rita had many friends and acquaintances all over Europe, the US and West Africa. Her living touched many positively. Liati has lost a lodestar.
Rita was preceded by her father, mother, two brothers (Alban and Joseph), and three sisters (Anti Joyce, Opokuwa, and Rosa)
She left behind two daughters, Elsie Jennifer Foli and Pamela Jessica Foli. A sister (Ellen Opeku Baku) and a brother (Hilarius Kosi Opeku). To her two daughters, Rita was and will forever be their Sweet Mother and best friend. She will never be forgotten.
Fare thee well, Rita, may you rest in peace.
Public viewing will be at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory, Marietta, GA beginning at 1.45pm on April 17, 2021, followed by a brief Funeral Service officiated by Rev Charles Owusu at 2.15pm. Interment will be at Westview Cemetery at 4pm. After Interment, there will be a small Reception at Word of Life Baptist Church, 7049 S. Sweetwater Rd., Lithia Springs, GA at 5pm.
Celebration of Life for Rita will take place at Word of Life Baptist Church on May 14, 2021 beginning at 6pm.