Rita Irene (Johnson) Hendley

Rita Irene Johnson Hendley, 71, of Landis, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2020.

Born on January 13, 1949 in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Jay Edward Johnson and Grace Morris Johnson Smith.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur “Buddy” Johnson.

Rita worked at Cannon Mills as an office ticket clerk for over 35 years. She later volunteered at Atrium Health Cabarrus NE, where she always friendly and never met a stranger. She loved to sit beside her husband, Linny, on the carport and speak to neighbors as they walked by. She also enjoyed watching Duke basketball and writing poetry. She collected all things sunflowers, which was her favorite flower.

Those left to cherish her memory include her beloved husband of 47 years, William “Linny” Hendley Sr.; son, Lynn Hendley and wife, Christy; daughter, Angela McKinley; grandchildren, Carter Hendley, Cameron Cox and Timothy Cox, and special friend, Terri Moon.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sandy Yow officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

Those serving as pallbearers include Brian Hunsuck, Lonnie Holbrook, Michael Baker, Cameron Cox, Grady Hardeman, and Brandon Farabee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

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