Nita Chitwood Smith

 Nita Nance Chitwood Smith, 89, won her victory in Jesus and went to be with the Lord on June 17, 2024. She was born in Whitfield County, GA on September 10, 1934, was a 1952 graduate of Calhoun High School, and attended Florida Christian College in Temple Terrace, FL. Nita loved Calhoun and considered Gordon County a very special place.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Thurman and Martha Chitwood, a son, Thurman Chitwood Smith, the father of her children, Jerry Foster Smith, her sister, Joy Chitwood Powell, sister-in-law Jackie Smith McEntyre, brothers-in-law Dick Powell, Bo Medders, Frank Walraven, Pruney Wayne McEntyre Jr. and a nephew, Greg McEntyre. 

 Nita is survived by her children, Jeffery Foster Smith of Olive Branch, MS and Summer Nance Smith Mills [Frank] of Calhoun and currently of Florence, AL; Four grandchildren, Clint Smith [Christina], Little Rock, AR, Jared Mills [Keli], Florence, AL, Lauren Turbeville [Jordan], Brentwood, TN and Lambert Smith [Courtney], Memphis.TN. Five great grandchildren, Silas Carpenter, Hudson Turbeville, Lainey Mills, Hallie Turbeville, and Lyla Mills. She is also survived by her sister, Mescal Chitwood Medders and her sister-in-law, Kayanne Smith Walraven. She leaves behind her special nieces and nephews, Melea Tennant [Danny] Jule Medders [Joy], Bret Medders [Shelley], India Galyean [Hugh], Monty Powell [Anna], Eben Powell, Valerie Jackson [Randy], George Walraven [Ginger], Grant Walraven [Julie], Melody West. Numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins that lovingly called her NINI! 

 Nita was loved and loved some very special friends who enhanced her life through her adventures and care. Our family also loves each of these ladies, Michelle Smith, Kay Holcomb, Kanisha Jaynes, Kim White, Leslie Purser, and Judy Pettus. 

 Nita loved the Lord, the word of God, and the church, specifically the Resaca Church of Christ. She also loved the Cross Point Church of Christ and was loved by them. She also loved her family like no other! Nita loved people and enjoyed getting to know people everywhere she went. Nita was known for her hospitality and for embracing her children’s and grandchildren’s friends! She was a hard-working woman who became an entrepreneur and a successful businesswoman. Nita was an avid bridge player, loved to travel, and truly enjoyed shopping! She had a large collection of antiques and a large collection of bison and elephant figurines, Nita loved chocolate and Lay’s Potato chips. Everyone raved about her fried chicken, lasagna, pinto beans, cornbread, and her fudge!

 Pallbearers will be Clint Smith, Jared Mills, Lambert Smith, Jordan Turbeville, Bret Medders, and Hugh Galyean. Honorary pallbearers are Monty Powell, Eben Powell, Dan Tennant, George Walraven, Grant Walraven, Randy Jackson, Stevie Robbins, Jim Lay, L.P. Owens, and Jimmy Mathews.

Her family will receive friends on July 5, 2024, from 10-12 at Thomas Funeral Home with a celebration of life to follow at 1:00 at the Resaca Church of Christ. 

 Nita’s family would also like to acknowledge their love and appreciation to her doctor, Dr. Felix Morris, for his love and care!

Donations in her honor can be made to the Cross Point Church of Christ Missions, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, Al. 35630 or to Harding University Advancement Office, HU 12238, Searcy, AR. 72149-5615