Born on October 8, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rita Ellen Blackburn spent her early years in Bellevue, Allegheny County. Her family later moved to Southern California when her father pursued a year-round career in construction, escaping the cold winters of the East Coast. Rita is the middle child of Bernard and Frances Blackburn, growing up with five siblings. 

A diligent student, Rita excelled in her studies and graduated from high school a year early. She chose to attend the Computer Learning Center in Los Angeles, California, over accepting a state college scholarship. After completing her education, she began her career at General Telephone & Electronics Corporation (GTE) in Marina Del Rey, California. Rita’s roles evolved from Computer Operator to Computer Programmer, and eventually to Systems Analyst before she retired in 1987 to move to her husband’s hometown in Reserve, Louisiana.

Rita Perrilloux is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of Little Leaders Learning Center Preschool and the Co-Founder and Co-Host of Historic Riverlands Tours. She is not only a dedicated wife to Pastor Steven Perrilloux for 42 years but also serves as the First Lady and Administrator of Historic Riverlands Christian Center Church, where she continues to support and inspire the congregation alongside her husband. Rita is the proud parent of four gifted adult children and five amazing grandchildren.