Rita B. Lakes

Family Invitation Service will be held.

LIFE IN REVIEW

RITA BOSTICK LAKES

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Rita Bostick Lakes, a servant of Jesus Christ, GOD's son, was a member of Champion Forest Baptist Church (CFBC) for more than 41 years. She trusted God and put her faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and eternal life. Her central belief was in the truth of Acts 4:12, which states "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  Rita embraced Jesus' statement that "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. " (John 11:25-26) Accordingly, she had no fear of death, knowing "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Cor 5:8)

Rita desired to continually grow in her relationship with the Lord Jesus. She was a constant prayer warrior, on her own, in community with family and friends, and through the CFBC Prayer Room ministry. Rita also engaged in daily Bible study and participation in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) where she served as a group leader for many years. BSF has been a huge support for Rita and her family throughout the years. And, she cherished the opportunity to worship and serve with her fellow members of CFBC.

Rita's greatest desire was that her family, friends and acquaintances knew Jesus on a personal basis for salvation. Her desire was aligned with that of "God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. " (1 Timothy 2:3b-6). Her certain hope and expectations for all are in Jesus words, that “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who believes [in Me as Savior—whoever adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me — already] has eternal life [that is, now possesses it]" (John 6:47 Amplified). In short, she wanted you to know:  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)


FAMILY

Rita May Bostick was born May 23, 1950. Rita and Joseph W. Lakes were married on May 22, 1976. They were blessed with two children, daughter Joi Michelle and son Joel Christian.

In addition to her husband and children, Rita is survived by Sister Rosie, two Brothers, Henry (wife Doris) and George (wife Ella) in addition to five Nephews, Davey, Anthony, Benjamin, Corey, Brandon, their wives and children, along with a large number of cousins and relatives. Rita's parents Laurence and Ruby, Sister Ann, Nephew Seth, along with numerous other relatives preceded her in death.


EDUCATION

Rita graduated with high honors from Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas and was a Summa Cum Laude Honor graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and PreMed in 1972. She then attended Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas, graduating with the degree of Medical Doctor, specializing in Pediatrics in May 1976.


CAREER

Rita joined McGregor Medical Association as a Pediatrician and worked there for 24 years until her retirement as a stockholder in the Association. During her career, Rita was licensed by The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, held the position of Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for Baylor College of Medicine, had Admitting Privileges at Texas Children's Hospital, was a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society and was a former Chairman of Texas Medical Subcommittee on Early Childhood and Adoption, and was affiliated with a number of other medical associations and organizations.


SERVICE

As Jesus served his flock, Rita continually served others with her talents as a physician. Rita loved children and she practiced medicine until her immune status prevented her from practicing and volunteering. Through the CFBC Missions Department, Rita made many trips to Costa Rica holding medical clinics, and additionally, served on a Kenya Mission trip medical clinic in 2009.  Indeed, during Joseph and Rita's expatriate assignment in Lagos, Nigeria, Rita would leave the confines of the 'safe zone' on a weekly basis, accompanied by her driver and one fully armed member of the Nigerian army, travel into Lagos city proper, to perform a medical clinic for the orphaned children housed at the convent run by the Nuns of the Order - Sisters of Mother Teresa.


COMMUNITY

Rita was a long-term member of the Champion Forest Garden Club, formerly serving as a Vice-President. As an avid reader she participated in two Book Clubs. Rita was also active in the community through Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum and Champion Forest Women's Club.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to:

MD Anderson Cancer Research
PO Box 4486
Houston, Texas 77210

Bible Study Fellowship
https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/memorials-and-honorarium/

Caring Bridge
PO Box 6032
AlbertLea, MN 56007-6632
www.caringbridge.org/give