Rita Faye Carswell

1946-2023

Rita Faye Carswell, 77, of Opelika, died at Bethany House Wednesday morning, November 15, 2023. Rita Carswell was born and raised in Opelika, Al. She graduated from Opelika High School in 1964. Rita began her career at WestPoint Pepperell in 1968 and was employed for 40 years before it closed. Rita has been working at Auburn University from 2012-Present. She attended First Baptist Church of Opelika for most of her life. Rita attended The Walk to Emmaus on walk number 75 in February of 2005 and has continued to work on the walk in numerous roles including Lay Director, on walks number 148 and 179. Rita served as Community Lay Director in 2014 and in 2022-Present. Rita also served as the Community Treasure for many years. Rita's family was her most precious gift and her greatest wish was that all around her would realize the importance of family. She considered her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Gods special blessings to her.

Rita was proceeded in death by her grandparents, Harry Virgil Nicholas and Agnes Brogdon Nicholas, her father G. Thomas Kelley, her mother Virginia Faye Kelley, her brother Thomas Francis Kelley, and her sister Carol Kelley Mills.

She is survived by her sister Dona Gwen Satterwhite (Randy), her two daughters Kim Marie McCormick and Kellie Michelle Coker, and her son Russell "Rusty" Thomas Henson (Deanna). Seven Grandchildren Adrienne Long (Kevin), Nathan Coker (Mollie), Kyle Coker (Brittany), Ashley Wyatt (Jeremy), Kacie Coker, Hunter Henson, and Catherine Henson. Four Great Grandchildren, Evan Long, Mason Long, Owen Long, and Waylon Wyatt, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and her many lifelong friends.

Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home from 12:30-1:45PM November 19, 2023. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, November 19, 2023, at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home in the Chapel with Pastor Rusty Sowell presiding. A graveside service will be held at Garden Hill cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers Rita wanted donations to be made to The Central Alabama Emmaus Community. Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.