Rita Anne Sheldon passed away at the young age of 71 on Jan. 26, 2018 in Oxford, Miss. She left this world to join the love of her life and soulmate, Lawson who died in 2000. She was born in Batesville, Miss. on Dec. 14, 1946.

Rita was a brave, independent, multi-talented adventurous world traveler who loved music of all kinds. She was also a successful entrepreneur who played an integral part in opening the Longshot Bar with her son George on the Square in Oxford, where she was affectionately known as Mama Rita. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and sharing in their achievements. She had a tender heart for all animals and loved her dogs. She will be deeply missed by family and friends from around the globe.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lawson Sheldon, her parents Milton and Jewel Childress of Greenville, Miss., brother Jerry Childress and sister Carol Hammond. She is survived by her son George (Braden) and grandchildren Lawson, Geanie and Darla Anne. Brother Larry (Vicki) Childress of New Orleans, La., and sister Charlene King of Natchez, Miss. She will be buried beside her husband in Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, Miss.

A celebration of her life with begin at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10 near the blues marker on the Square in Oxford where a funeral parade procession led by Sharde Thomas and the Rising Star Fife and drum band will travel to the Graduate Hotel for a Memorial Celebration.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Oxford/Lafayette Humane Society.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, please visit our website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.