Rita Diamandis Small

Rita Diamandis Small, 88, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025 in Greensboro,

 NC.A visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4-6 PM at Forbis & Dick- N. Elm. A memorial service will follow on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the chapel beginning at 11 AM.

Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, Rita was born to Greek immigrants in Suffolk, VA on July 8, 1936. She graduated from Suffolk High School where she was an “All Star” in many sports. She would often brag to her grandchildren that she was “captain” in numerous girls’ sports. Rita didn’t know it at the time, but she met her husband in high school while she was a cheerleader, and he was a football player. Later, L. J. Small, Jr. and Rita would share their lives together as they moved and settled to Greensboro, NC in 1974.

Rita spent her life as a homemaker and discovered she had many hobbies and talents. She will be remembered for being a fantastic cook, especially Greek and American cuisine. She was very artistic and was a great painter, enjoyed music, dancing, working in the garden and flower arranging. During her free time, she would take trips to Tarpon Springs, FL, enjoying her large Greek culture and connecting with her relatives and friends. She also loved many years of volunteering at her church and Cone hospital. After her husband passed away, Rita dedicated and committed spending time with her beloved family. She welcomed everyone into her home, always offering food, beverages and fellowship. She was a blessing to all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Rita is predeceased by her husband, L.J. Small, Jr., her daughter Keely Dean Small, her parents John and Popi Diamandis, and her brothers, Tony Diamond and Deno Diamandis.

Surviving family are her two children, Jerry Small (Lisa), Sandee Small Hutchinson, grandchildren, Lauren Small-McCollum (Kenton), John Small, Dean Hutchinson, and Alex Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to 2 of Rita’s favorite charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306.

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