Rita Primrose Abbott, age 91, of Decatur, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her
loving family, on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Rita was born on June 20, 1934, in Brighton, England, to Arthur Colley and Alice Marler
Colley. She was a seamstress for more than 50 years, beginning her career at the
young age of 16. She later met the love of her life, John Sydney Abbott, and they were
married on February 19, 1955, at St. Cuthman Church in Brighton, England.
Rita and John moved from England to Canada in 1956 and later relocated to Wisconsin
in 1962. They became American citizens in 1969. After spending several years there,
they moved to Decatur, Alabama, where they spent the remainder of their lives loving
their wonderful family.
Rita enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, as well as reading, sewing, and
embroidery. She was a faithful member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where she
was always willing to help wherever needed.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alice Colley; brothers, Ben
Colley and Arthur Colley; and sisters, Violet Abbott and Patricia Moloney.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, John S. Abbott; son, Keith Abbott;
daughter, Lorraine (Ronnie) Smallwood; grandchildren, Kevin (Melinda) Abbott, Kolin
Abbott, Julie (Andy) Mathis, and Adam (Megan) Smallwood; and great-grandchildren,
Hailey Abbott, Kylie Abbott, Jayda Abbott, Autumn Abbott, Jack Mathis, Charles Mathis,
Carson Smallwood, and Cade Smallwood.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church, with Reverend Tripp Brogdon officiating. The family will receive
friends at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials maybe sent to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Hospice of
the Valley, or United Way of Morgan County.
