Rita Dumas Jones

Rita Dumas Jones, a native of New Orleans, rejoined her heavenly family on January 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Rita gained her Angelic wings at the age of 85 years old. Her departure reminds us that angels are watching over us. Born on May 22, 1938, in Vacherie, LA. to the late Ralph Dumas and the late Melonie Freeman Dumas. Rita was a beloved wife, Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She dedicated her life to her family and enjoyed family gatherings and cooking for her family. Rita was the oldest of 12 children. Rita’s precious memories and love will forever be cherished by her family. Rita was the former spouse of John Metoyer and from this union, two children were born, John Metoyer and Pamela Metoyer-Bates. Rita later married William Jones, Jr., and lived a wonderful life until his death in 2010. Rita was a devout Catholic who understood her faith at an incredibly young age. Growing up in Vacherie, she attended Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. After moving to New Orleans, she visited several churches until finally finding her church home at St Leo the Great. Rita attended St Leo the Great Church for many years and volunteered at the church for several hours a week. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Rita started her career in New Orleans and was employed by Ochsner Hospital for over 45 years. She also attended classes to certify as a Home Health Care Nurse. Rita was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others. After retiring from Ochsner, she continued to sit with her patients as she enjoyed helping others. Rita loved Mardi Gras season and attended the Zulu, Nomtoc Coronations and Parades with her late husband William Jones, Jr., a member of the NOMTOC Social and Pleasure Club. Despite her large family, Rita always was available for everyone. She always provided support and love for her family. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Dumas and Melonie Freeman Dumas, husband, William Jones, Jr., a brother, Eddie Dumas, sister, Alice Dumas, brothers-in-law, Herbert Jackson, and Herbert Dumas. Siblings, Ralph Dumas (Rose), Velma Dillon (Raymond), Margaret Jackson (Herbert), Stella Dumas, Shirley Dumas, Melonie Dumas, Eva Schexnayder (Randall), Joseph Claude Dumas (Bernadine), and Valerie Dumas. Godson, Christopher Schexnayder and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rita leaves to cherish in her memory, her 2 children, John Metoyer (Antoinette) and, Pamela Metoyer-Bates (Larry), 2 grandchildren, John Metoyer, III and Larry Justin Bates, 6 great-grandchildren, Jaylynn, Jamari, Jai, Jasmine, Joi, and John Metoyer, Jr. We invite you to join us for a homegoing service. The service will be on Friday, February 9, 2024, at St Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Avenue. Visitation, 9:00 am, Catholic Mass Service, 10:00 am. Internment Following Service, Biloxi National Cemetery 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, Ms. 39531. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.