On Friday, January 26, 2018, Rita Claire Dabbs “Sis” Land passed from this earthly life to her heavenly home where she was greeted by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Also, welcoming her home are her beloved husband, Edwin Garner “Eddie” Land, Jr., parents, Gilford Fortner Dabbs, Sr. and Gertrude Hardee Dabbs, as well as brothers G.F. “Sporty” Dabbs, Jr., William Francis “Billy” Dabbs, Sr. John S. Dabbs, and James Robert “Jimmy” Dabbs.
Rita was a loving and devoted mother to Deborah Claire Land “Debbie” Ingram and husband David, of Madison, Mississippi, Edwin G. “Chip” Land and wife Melanie of Brandon, Mississippi and Michael Dabbs Land of Madison, Mississippi. Her legacy is carried on through her precious grandchildren Ben Ingram, Mariclaire Ingram Putman and husband John Harvey, Lan Ingram, Philip Land and wife Chouna, Rebecca Land Long and husband Brett, Taylor, Brittany, and Garner Land. She will be greatly missed by her great grandchildren, Ava, Jacob, Kate, Jon Garner, Ella Claire, Laurel, and Meg.
Born in Quitman, Mississippi on November 26, 1926, Mrs. Land spent a fun-filled childhood there until attending Mississippi Southern College graduating in 1949. After her college years, she moved to Louisville, Mississippi, where she taught first grade for four years until meeting her husband, Eddie Land. She and Eddie married in July, 1953 and moved to Tunica, Mississippi, where they lived for 17 years. In Tunica, she was a member of several organizations, but most importantly, she was a member of Tunica Baptist Church. As Director of the Primary Department, she helped mold the faith of many children by teaching them songs of the faith that continue to be sung by generations who have come behind her.
In 1970, the Land family moved back to Louisville, Mississippi, where Rita continued to be involved in the Women’s Missionary Union at the local and state level. Mrs. Land shared the love of Christ throughout the world as an active member of First Baptist Church of Louisville, where she sang in the choir and was a Sunday School teacher. While in Louisville she also became a member of the Nanih Waiya Chapter of the DAR where she served as Regent.
In her later years she served for four years as a house mom for the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority at Mississippi State University. It was then, she moved her residence to Starkville, Mississippi, where she was a member of First Baptist Church. She was able to remain close to family and friends while enjoying life with her grandchildren who attended college there.
Rita never met a stranger, and endeared herself to many, old and young alike. Her life was one of service to Christ, and she will be greatly missed by her family and countless others who came across her earthly path. “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future” - Proverbs 31:25.
A celebration of life will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Louisville, Mississippi at 2:30 pm on Monday, January 29, 2018. The ceremony will be officiated by Dr. Chip Stevens. Visitation will be held from 12:30-2:30 pm prior to the service. A graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery where her body will be laid to rest next to her husband, Eddie Land.
Memorials may be made to French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745, Mississippi State Baptist Student Union, P.O. Box BU, Mississippi State, MS 39762, or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, www.anniearmstrong.com.
To sign the guest register, please visit www.porterfuneralhome.net.
