In profound sorrow we the Management & Staff of Turnbull's Funeral Home & Crematory Services announce the passing of Rita Augustina Vanterpool Hector, 86, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away Friday, June 09, 2023. She was the daughter of Wilhelmina Constancia Gumbs Malone and Valore Augustus Vanterpool and the granddaughter of Ann Elizabeth Callwood Gumbs and Wilfred Gumbs. Rita was born May 25, 1937 on St Thomas, Virgin Islands at a time when extended family bonds were strong; money was scarce but love, kindness and human decency was plentiful. Special thanks to the family of the late Clarence Gumbs,Sr., particularly Vashti Gumbs Liburd; Ianthe Thomas, and the families of the late Gloria Minkoff and the late Vancito Gumbs for they maintained extended family ties as much as possible.

Rita is survived by her aunt Ianthe Thomas; nieces: Lydia McBean and Ena Benjamin; daughter, Melissa Parry Murraine; sons: Vanico Hedrington, Kevin Vanterpool, Cecil and Clive Hector; grandchildren: Shiniqua Vanterpool, Jeffrey Hedrington, Porsha Nanton, Amari Hector Plaskett, Adari, Cicilee, Cecil, and Ah'Mira Hector; Caretakers: Shenay Liburd and Juliet Buckle Sibilly and other loving relatives and friends.