LeoRita Jackson, lovingly known as "Rita", "Puddin" and "Pete," was born on March 10, 1949, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, and passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, on April 6, 2025.

An only child by birth but raised closely with her cousins, the Atkinsons, LeoRita was rooted in deep family love. She attended Randolph High School in Pass Christian. After graduation, she went to Mississippi Valley State University. She spent most of her life in Mississippi before moving to Atlanta, where she remained the heart of her home and family.

She was the devoted mother of John Jackson Jr., beloved daughter-in­ love to Christianah Coker-Jackson, and proud grandmother to Aamon Jackson, John Jackson III, and Christopher Jackson.

LeoRita was always ready to serve others-helping raise her grandchildren and even caring for her son's father-in-law during his final years. She gave her time and her heart freely.

Rita worked various jobs but the job she loved the most was Charlot's, which her son, John, and daughter-in-love, Chris, owned.

Rita was a known great cook and baker, and everyone especially loved her pound cakes. She carried herself with strength, a sharp sense of humor, and a love that showed up in all the small, everyday ways that mattered most.

LeoRita is preceded in death by her mother, Rita "Tot-Chicken" Charlot; her biological father, William "Sonny" Dixon; her stepfather, Anthony Gilbert; her cousin Ronald Charlot; her aunts Theresa "Boots" Atkinson, Bernice Charlot, Elizabeth Griffin and Odile Lanaux; her uncle Cornelius (Neely) Lanaux; and many other loved ones who welcomed her home.

She leaves behind her son, John Jackson Jr.; her daughter-in-love, Christianah Coker-Jackson; her grandchildren-Aamon Jackson, John Jackson III, and Christopher Jackson; her cousins, the Atkinsons­Ellen, Sheila, Theresa, Theodore, and Jackie; her long-time best friend and cousin, Laverne Ausmer; and a wide circle of family and friends who will carry her memory with deep love and gratitude.