Juanita "Nita" Howard

Juanita "Nita" Howard, lovingly known as Nita, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born on December 12, 1935, in Haywood County, North Carolina. Nita was a remarkable woman who cherished her family and brought joy to everyone around her.

Nita's journey began at Canton High School, where she formed a deep connection with the love of her life, William C. "Pete" Howard. After graduating in 1954, she furthered her education at Western Carolina University. In the following year, Nita and Pete tied the knot and embarked on a beautiful marriage that lasted an impressive 62 years.

Throughout her life, Nita excelled at being a proud wife to Pete, a devoted mother to her children, William Stephen Howard and his wife, Erika, of Monroe, Louisiana, Andrea Leigh Pennington and her husband Bruce, of Houston, Texas, and Joseph David Howard and his significant other, Bernadette McEvoy, of Woodstock Georgia. She found immense joy and fulfillment in the role of grandmother to seven grandchildren: Ashley Henderson (Collin), Mary Elizabeth Thompson (Matthew), William Dawson, Selena Adamek, Alexandra Irja, Samuel Joseph (Abbey), and Emily Nita Rawls (Chad). Nita also had five great-grandchildren who filled her heart with love and happiness. In addition, she is survived by a twin sister, Almeda Medlin of Columbus, Georgia. Family was of utmost importance to Nita. She took great pleasure in spending time with Almeda and cherished the special bond they shared. Nita shared extremely close relationships with her special nieces and nephew.  

Nita mourned the loss of her parents Kenneth Murr and Cartie Gentry Murr Mann; her older sister Geraldine "Gerry" McClure; Wilbur Buck McClure and Joe Bill Medlin who were brothers-in-law; and her stepfather W.Z. (Bill) Mann.

Nita led a fulfilling life enriched by numerous interests and hobbies. She had a passion for baking and made it a tradition to bake a cake every Friday while raising her children. Decorating for the holidays brought her immense joy, as did working on puzzles and spending time with her bridge group. Nita had a particular fondness for traveling to New York City and creating beautiful memories with Pete and their family at The Cottage. She enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball, following college football, and relaxing on the beach.

In addition to her family and hobbies, Nita held herself with grace and determination in various capacities. She was an active member of the Assistance League of Atlanta, where she dedicated herself to serving others selflessly. Caring deeply for her community, she made a lasting impact through her involvement in this esteemed organization.

Friends were an integral part of Nita's life, with whom she shared laughter and cherished moments. Hamburger night and dinner outings with special friends were something she always looked forward to. Her infectious smile, warm personality, and kind heart endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The visitation service for Nita will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Spring Hill Baptist Church. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde. 

In honoring Nita's memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Assistance League of Atlanta, P.O. Box 920250, Peachtree Corners, GA  30010-0250, Spring Hill Baptist Church, 1918 Murray Road, Canton, NC   28716, or Calvary Baptist Church, 23 Phillips Street, Canton, NC  28716.

The care of Mrs. Howard has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.