Rita McDonald Cheek
January 2, 1947 - June 30, 2012

Obituary​

Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present

Rita McDonald Cheek, 65, of Collierville, TN.  Born January 2, 1947, in Atlanta, GA, died June 30, 2012, in Collierville, TN.  She was preceded in death by her parents: Warren Jackson McDonald and Margaret Walker McDonald; sister, Peggy McDonald Christian.  She leaves one daughter, Christina Cheek Pilgrim (Mike) of Collierville, TN; four beloved grandchildren:  Peyton Michael, Parker Christian, Paxton Walker and Presleigh Paige Pilgrim; two nephews:  Jackson W. Norton of Ridgecrest, NC, and John M. Norton (Beverly) of Marietta, GA; one brother: Warren "Jack" McDonald of Fairburn, GA; one great-niece, one great-nephew, two aunts, several cousins, and her beloved pets.  Rita was a lifelong Episcopalian. She graduated from Hapeville (GA) High School in 1965 and began her career in the airline industry with Southern Airways in 1968 in Atlanta, GA, and retired from what was eventually Republic/Northwest/Delta Air Lines in Memphis, TN.  She took great pride in her grandchildren and loved watching them participate in many activities; playing sports, dancing, and marching in the band. There will always be a special place in their hearts for Grandma.  Shealso enjoyed researching family genealogy, working in the yard, and rescuing and rehabilitating animals of any species.  You never knew what she would find next.  Rita was certainly one-of-a-kind and was truly blessed to have so many devoted friends.  She will surely be missed by all those who loved her.  Her body will be cremated with burial in Sandy Springs Historic Cemetery.  A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at 11 a.m. 86 Mount Vernon Highway, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328. Memorials may be made to the following:  Ark Rain Wildlife Sanctuary, P. O. Box 721, Brownsville, TN  38012, Arkrain.org or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Episcopal Youth Council, 106 Walnut Street, Collierville,  TN  38017.