Mrs. Rita Pearl McCollum, age 76, born on July 29, 1949 to the late Flenory and Victoria Gordon Williamson transitioned peacefully on May 31, 2026, in Conway, South Carolina. Rita grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and became a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved family matriarch.

Rita was a gregarious lady. That character essence was interwoven throughout her days as a West Side High school cheerleader and recording artist of the 1960 Fencoe Records R&B group THE FOXES. She achieved an associates degree from Nancy Taylor School of Business that propelled her through a dedicated 34year airline industry career in roles of call center operator, flight stewardess, and customer service supervisor. After retirement, she and her enduring husband of 57years made their home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she enjoyed seaside tranquility and fishing.

Rita was predeceased by her parents: Victoria and Flenory Williamson, brothers: Freddie, Keith, and Albert Williamson. 

She is survived by her husband: James Frazier McCollum Sr: daughter, Cerita Nicole Bunyasaranand: sons: James Frazier McCollum Jr and Mark Anthony McCollum, son-in-law, Andy Bunyasaranand; grandchildren Sofia, Madeline, Elias, and Wyatt Bunyasaranand, Sister: Annie Ruth Nelson, and Brothers: Haneef Jawwaad, Quincy and Sylvester Williamson.