Rita Marie Treadwell

WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, SISTER, SISTER-IN-LAW, AUNT, HONORED VETERAN AND CHILD OF GOD Rita Marie Treadwell, a proud veteran of the United States Army and second oldest of eight children was born November 21, 1948 in Springfield, IL to Thomas Woolery and Lethia Woolery-Freeman. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, William and Matilda Clanton; and brother, Tommy Woolery. Rita was a member of First Mount Zion Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Springfield, IL. Rita was educated in the Springfield, IL School System and over the course of her illustrious professional career, acquired a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Drury University in Springfield, MO and a Master of Arts Degree in Education Counseling and Post Graduate Studies in Leadership and Program Planning at Boston University, Boston, MA. Rita was also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. While serving in the United States Army, Rita met the love of her life, Melvin Lee Treadwell and they were married on July 21, 1979. Conjointly, the husband-and-wife team continued to pursue a successful military career (with Rita attaining the rank of Sergeant) and provided a secure nest for raising their children. With over a combined 33 years of faithful and dedicated service in the military and federal government, Rita retired in August, 2011 from the U.S. Veterans Administration as Consultant Learning and Program Director (GS15) after holding a variety of positions of progressive responsibilities and complexities throughout her career, nationally and internationally, and received numerous honors and distinguished awards. Positions included, Commercial Account Specialist, Postal Administrator, Budget Administrator, Director of Child Care Development, Education Counselor, Veterans Counselor, Deputy Director of Education/United States Marine Corps Community Outreach Program, and Learning Consultant and Program Director/ Veterans Administration. Prior to her retirement, Rita declined a nomination to the distinguished Federal Government Senior Executive Services (SES) Program. However, Rita was awarded and accepted salient recognitions and assignments, as was deserved given her expertise, dedication and commitment, to include the following: • Recognition by the President of the United States for the Daily Points of Light National Community Outreach Program. • Camp David, President of the United States weekend Retreat, Briefings as US Marine Corps representative. Briefings included a tour and lunch with the President’s staff. • Appointment to the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), a Department of Defense prestigious education support group. • Commendation by the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps for her contributions to Partners in Education Program. • Among the first female soldiers to be assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division Korea, a prestigious combat unit serving on the front line. Rita was known for her fine culinary skills and earned a diploma from The New Orleans School of Cooking in “Cajun & Creole Cooking”. However, her signature dishes were lasagna and fried fish. Additionally, Rita had a green thumb and exquisite taste. She loved gardening and decorating as was evidenced by her perfectly landscaped lawn with picturesque gardens and the beautiful and impeccable décor of her home. Rita was determined to walk her own path, an avid reader, a mini-marathon runner, family historian, and a restorer of antiques. Not only did her husband, the children and grandchildren benefit from Rita’s gifted talents and love, her fur babies, Bella and Bently, were near and dear to her heart. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her husband Melvin of 44 years, to whom she was “Honey”; as a devoted “Mom/Momma” to her sons, Terry (Paulette) Treadwell of Montclair, VA; Tony (Marie) Perkins of Lilbourn, MO; and daughter, Tammatha Treadwell of Atlanta, GA; as a doting “MiMi” to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as “Sissy” to brothers, Frederick P. Woolery of Dolton, IL, Charles Michael Woolery of Springfield, IL; sisters, Doris Woolery of Springfield, IL, Frances Woolery-Jones of Centennial, CO, Mary Woolery-Terry of Homewood, IL, and Cynthia White of Springfield, IL; as a “sister-in-love” to the Kelly, Glasper, Treadwell family and by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, M I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. John 14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities: https://donate.cancer.org/campaign=search&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA04arBhAkEiwAuNOsIqCZrQD-oeHxE1-ATH7TYj8a2hCRNIJzHQlmyw181Dy2F8kz-uKIihoCxsIQAvD_BwE https://staffordspca.org/

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Rita Marie Treadwell

November 21, 1948 - November 16, 2023