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Ms. Rita Mickle, 56, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Charlotte, NC departed this life on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

On Thursday evening, March 9, 2023, Rita Jamese Mickle peacefully passed over at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after extended hospital care at Springhill Rehabilitation and Nursing Center located in Pittsburgh.  Upon her arrival to the Lord's special resting place, she was greeted and warmly embraced by her parents, Erma and James Mickle, and her grandparents, Mildred L. and Cornelius M. Rhea and Docia I. and Pinkney L.  Mickle.  What a celebratory event!

Affectionately called "Sweet Sister" by family and friends, Rita was born in Charlotte, NC on June 2, 1966, to the late James William Mickle and Erma Jane Rhea Mickle.  Rita was educated at Charlotte Catholic High School and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina where she furthered her education and obtained her A.S. in Medical Office Assistant.  She was a medical office assistant in Winnsboro, S.C. and later became a Pharmacy Technician at Eckerd Drug Store in Charlotte, N.C.  Rita's true passion was to further her education in medical school, obtain a Medical Degree, complete a residency, and become a medical doctor in hospitals.  However, she suffered mental health issues which led to other health problems during her emerging adult years and the trajectory of her life changed drastically as she combatted renal failure and mental health issues.  Thus, the Lord had a different path for Rita.

To know Rita was to love her.  She would bring healing and encouragement to people through her thoughtful notes, pep talks, floral picture art, prayers, and her strong faith in God, Jesus, and the bible.  Rita was a true fighter to the end, a modern medical miracle, and always with a hopeful, positive attitude.  Though a staunch Catholic, Rita loved attending choir practice and the Sunday services at Grace A.M.E. Zion Methodist Church in Charlotte where her mother, Erma, was the organist and choir director.  Rita also loved drawing floral art and nature, where she was talented with colored pencils and her drawings have been displayed in personal care homes, assisted living homes, and nursing homes throughout McKeesport, PA and the surrounding areas.  Rita was a saint through her holy deeds and behavior of pureness, kindness, and devotion to God and all people she encountered, a true Christian, more Christian than most people, and more than likely seated at the right hand of God.  She is survived by her two siblings, Mildred R. Mickle, Ph.D. English, Camille L. Mickle, M.A. Psychology, and her "niece" (Simcha – feline).  Much later, she adopted her older cousin, Bishop Desmond L. Gause, as a close brother.

Rita will be remembered as a devoted Christian, talented artist, loving daughter and sister, and beloved by all who knew her.  She will be remembered for the many flowers she captured in her artwork.  She will also be remembered for her generosity, kindness, compassion, empathy, and one who beat the odds as an indomitable spirit against the angel of death until the end.  2nd Timothy 4:7 KJV "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."