March 22, 1945 - May 28, 2012
Juanita ''Nita'' Carrie Gardner McElya, 67, of Batesville, Mississippi died on May 28, 2012 at her residence.
Mrs. McElya was a Lab Technician for Mid-South Contact Lens and a member of Marked Tree Church of Christ.
Juanita has gone peacefully to be with her maker, just as she peacefully walked this earth. Always placing others before herself, she walked the walk that Jesus taught.
Mrs. McElya is survived by her husband; Arthur McElya , Jr. of Batesville, Mississippi, mother, Ozell Naylor Gardner; sons; Anthony ''Tony'' Arthur McElya, Ronald ''Ronnie'' Dale McElya, daughters; Angela McElya Hardy , Tina McElya Vining , one sister; Linda Gardner , one brother; Larry Melford Gardner, four grandchildren; Christopher Conn, Misty Conn, Dale McElya, and Angelique McElya, four great-grandchildren; Austin Conn, Alexia Mars, Gabby Conn and Caiden Conn, Nephew; Larry Gardner, Jr., great niece; Paige Gardner.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 31, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel in West Memphis, Arkansas. Service will follow at 3:00 P.M. with entombment at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas following the service.
Memorials may be be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 2501 Oaklawn Avenue Suite 435, Dallas, Texas 75219.
I knew Juanita since we were 12 years old. I just found out that she died and I am so sorry for Mrs. Gardner, Larry and family. She was the sweetest person I have known and she forgave others for any injustice that might have been done. I have missed her for many years and will miss her the rest of my days. Bless you Nita.
Sue
this was my grandma, but i believe i called here aunt nita, she was the most caring,happiest person i ever knew she stood by many people including her husband arthur aka pepa while he was going through health issues.i hate god took her, but it must have been for good reason, as much as i cant accept it. I have many memories all good ones though! she loved raw onions she prepared them with every meal. i remember her taking me to get my ears pierced, she said u have 2 options either get ur ears done or go ice skating, i wish i would have skated cause i still havent done it yet lol! she is missed very much... love Angelique
We knew you a short time but we loved you and Arthur. You have no more pain or worries. Be at peace! You will be so missed by your family and friends.
God Bless you Juanita, You are with God now
Aunt Juanita was so kind and thoughtful and sweet, she will be greatly missed. Uncle Arthur, you and the family have not left my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs and love.
Very sorry for Uncle Arthur, Tina, Angie, Tony, Ronnie and families
I only have happy memories of Aunt Nita. I can still hear her laughter and see her beautiful smile. I hope that your happy memories will help you have peace during this time.
Arthur and kids:
I'm so sorry to hear about Nita. I will miss her on Labor Day weekends!! She was always so sweet and so fun to be around. I'm thinking about you during this difficult time.
Tonie (Jane and Randy Maness' sister)
Juanita was a wonderful person, inside and out!! She will certainly be missed by all her loved ones, family and friends who was always happy and excited to be around her.
God has certainly picked a wonderful angel to watch over you and me; Thank you Juanita for the memories you have given to all your family and friends!! Love Joe and Trisha
She was my mom, best friend, mentor, listener, and advisor. She loved my dad soooo much. I will miss her with all of my heart, but God received a wonderful Angel when he decided to take her on Monday.
I love you Nita forever
Tina
RIP sweet nita. we've lost a wonderful friend.
Nita was one of the purest and sweetest people i have ever met. The times we spent together in the old days will always be remembered with love. Her smile and sweeteness will be a welcome sight to all the other angels. Our thoughts are with Arthur and his family.
An Earth Angel has gone before us and she leaves behind her riches in Spirit to ALL that she touched,
I will always love Nita..she was so good to me and Dale.