Nitajean Cunningham, 77, of Kingsland died April 9, 2017

Nitajean “Nita” Cunningham, 77, of Kingsland, Texas, joined her Lord and Savior on April 9, 2017, surrounded by family and holding the hand of her husband 58 years.

She was born June 9, 1939, in Atlanta, Texas, to Charles Lonzo and Juanita O’Rear Ashby and was the oldest of five children.

Nita is survived by her loving husband, Rudy Cunningham; son, Ron Cunningham; daughter-in-law, Carol Cunningham; granddaughter, Kathryn Cunningham; sisters Maxine Holdridge and Diane Ashby; brother, Charles Ashby; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Ann Cunningham; parents; and twin sister, Jackie Sterling.

At the age of 19, Nita met and married Rudolph “Rudy” Joe Cunningham in Odessa. In 1973, the family moved to Kingsland and joined Kingsland Community Church. Nita retired from H-E-B with more than 30 years of service.

Nita was very supportive of her family and friends. Although not a firefighter, she has driven firetrucks to fires; although not a paramedic, she has driven ambulances to calls; although not a nurse, she has provided round-the-clock care to patients. She could also drive boats and tractors with ease.

She was an active member in the Women’s Christian Ministries 3rd Circle, which supports the church and community on a daily basis. Nita enjoyed sewing, quilting prayer quilts for her church, cooking desserts, raising her chickens, and spending time outdoors. She was blessed to be able to spend Friday nights for the last 40 years with “The Gang” and play bridge on Wednesdays with her most cherished friends.

Nita was a loving, caring, and giving Christian woman, wife, doting mother and grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Visitation is 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 13 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Kingsland, (325) 247-4300. A memorial service is 11 a.m. April 14 at Kingsland Community Church with the Rev. Dick West officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kingsland Community Church’s Women’s Christian Ministry 3rd Circle.

Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.