of West Helena, AR
May 25, 1945 - March 3, 2025
Anita (Nita) Lorraine Dennis, age 79, of West Helena, Arkansas passed away March 3, 2025 at her sister, Jackye's residence in Conway. She was born May 25, 1945 the daughter(step) of the late Verlon Heathcock and Graple Heathcock of West Helena.
Nita was a long-time resident of West Helena making life-time friends in various positions with local companies such as Waters Lumber Company, Doughboy Pools and the Helena-West Helena Post Office.
She learned to be an independent-thinking woman and was head strong with the things and people she loved. She loved to collect tea pots and going to the beach in Biloxi. Every year her yard was overflowing with daylilies blooming and she always planned to make juice from the plenty of fresh tomatoes. She had great fun traveling with her bowling team and was quite a bowler. Later in years she may have had health and physical challenges, but her mind stayed sharp to near the end and her heart always kind. We celebrate her knowing she is with Mama; her dog, Bear and her long-missed son, Jeff now… probably eating some shrimp (her favorite).
Nita is preceded in death by her stepfather, Verlon Heathcock; her mother, Graple Heathcock; her son, Jeffrey (Jeff) Dennis and siblings, Jay Cheek, Jo James and half-siblings, Dorothy Parks and Trudy Depriest.
Survivors include her sisters, Jackye Wilder (Joe) of Conway, Arkansas; Cecilia Kerst (Paul) of Conway, Arkansas; Donna Anderson (Louie) of California; nieces and nephews, Laura, Kyle, Katie, Lou, Wayne, Perry, Scott, Kevin, Michelle, Meredith, Michael, Ivan and Timmy. Special thanks to James Box who was her companion and caretaker for many years.
Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Kerst, Lou Kerst, Ivan Crabtree and Kyle Wilder.
The funeral service for Anita will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel in West Helena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in West Helena, Arkansas. Brother Bobbie Baker will officiate.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, Arkansas (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena
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9 Condolence(s)
Paula Downs
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Sorry to hear of ms.Anita passing my thoughts and prayers are with you
Mary Lorenz
Saturday, March 8, 2025
I went to school with Anita at Barton High School. I can still her her voice so full of fun and laughter. Her laughter was contagious and made everyone happy.
I pray that God wrap his loving arms around the family and give each of you peace.
Linda G Webb
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Nita will be sorely miss by so many. I wish I could have visited with her over the years, but I know I will meet with her again at the Father’s table. Much love to her family during this time.
Jimmy Faulkner
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
My condolences to Nita's family. I knew all of the family and considered them all my friend.I worked with Verlon for many years and went to school with Nita.
Jackye Wilder
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
My sweet, sister, Nita! You will be missed.
Margaret Kirk
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of Anita.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Lynette Murphy
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Anita was a neighbor of mine for several years and a precious person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Diane Karr
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Anita was a smart, loving, talented woman . She was appreciated and loved by her co-workers at Hoffinger . I looked up to her as a mentor and friend. Peace be with her family and friends.
Cely
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Will look forward to seeing you again.