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Nita Louise Newman joined her Lord in heaven, Sunday, November 30, 2014 at the age of 69 after a brief fight against cancer.
A celebration of her life will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Hurst, Texas, 521 W. Pipeline Rd,. Hurst, 76053.
Nita devoted her life to helping others. She was a hospital chaplain in Houston at Hermann Hospital and at Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford providing ministry and spiritual guidance to patients, family members and caregivers. She was a United Methodist minister for 20 years serving congregations at Bay Harbour UMC in League City, Genoa UMC in south Houston. Pleasant Retreat UMC in Thorndale, and Valley Mills UMC in Valley Mills. She helped start The Hospitality Apartments in Houston, providing free housing to cancer patients at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston and constantly volunteered in her community to help those in need.
Nita earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University (where she was a member of the GATA social club); and a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
In her personal life, Nita was an accomplished artist and singer. She was chosen as a master of ceremony at the annual Abilene Christian University Sing Song choral competition in 1967. She was selected homecoming queen at Plainview High School in 1963. When Nita was not devoting her life to helping others, she was a committed mother and grandmother.
Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Louise Moser Newman of Plainview.
Survivors include her son, Kelly Short; her granddaughter, Madison Short; her stepmother, Iona Newman; her brother, Kelly Carl Newman; and several loving aunts, cousins and extended family.
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Gloria Deardorf (Rische)
Our beautiful Nita . She had a gift of song , among her many achiievments in life. She sounded like an angel ! The first time I heard her voice was, when she and I were in a choir rehearsal together. All I could think was , ..WOW ! ". She was a lovely person, inside and out, and she will be missed. On our one journey, in Christ, may God bless her, and those she loves, always . Gloria Deardorf Rische
Patsy Lemons (Culp)
It was so wonderful to see Nita at our 50th class reunion in Oct-2013. She looked so beautiful and Healthy. We had a great visit. I wish I had know she had been ill in the last 7 or 8 months. I was so shocked by her death.
Rest in peace dear Class Mate and Friend--Patsy Lemons Culp
Nancy Budd (Fultz)
It's always so sad to lose such a wonderful person; Nita cannot be replaced. She will always be remembered for her gift of song, her kindness and her ability to reach out to others. Bless you, Nita. You made my stay on earth much better.
Sally Newman (Rice)
This is very difficult to write because I selfishly want my best friend to still be here in person and yet I know she prepared all of her life to be with the Lord. Nita and I go back to birth...same last name, lived next door for years, we dressed alike, sang together for a lot of the community clubs and we were like sisters always...we just picked up where we last left off. We cried together the last conversation we had and again proclaimed our long love for each other. God, say "Hello" to my sweet dear friend, Nita. I'll see her again one of these days!
Karen Smith (Stewart)
A good friend in high school, Nita and I lost contact during our college years only to reconnect at the 50th reunion. What a blessing it was to spend time with her (and Sally ) and catch up on her life of serving others and her devotion and love for her son and granddaughter. We talked about getting together again In Montana. I did not know she was battling cancer and thus am greatly saddened by her passing and knowing the opportunity to spend more time with her is gone- at least for now. What a wonderful legacy of helping others she leaves. I think God must have been ready to have her share her caring and giving more closely with him. May her family feel blessed to have had her as their mother and grandmother. My prayers and thoughts are with them and with Sally at this time. May you feel blessed for having her as part of your life
Karen Smith Stewart
Mike Patrick
I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Nita's passing. Until our 50th Class Reunion I had not seen her since we graduated in '63 ... and I really enjoyed our visit.
In reading about Nita's life in the obituary ... it's obvious that she led a life of service to others and no doubt blessed many folks in the churches, cities and communities in which she lived and worked.
I would encourage anyone to check out Nita's Facebook page. Two things that really stood out to me were her Facebook picture (that I understand she recently changed) and a picture of a little dog (running like crazy ... with all four paws off the ground) with the caption "Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open". To me ... that says a lot about Nita's "spirit" and obvious zest for life.
What more could any of us hope for but to "Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open" and to leave this place in a little better shape then we found it! That I believe is what Nita did.
May God's Peace be with Nita's family during all times of sorrow.
Brenda Beard (Sizemore)
Nita was such a wonderful, beautiful person. She will be missed by anyone that ever had the pleasure to know her. I'm so sorry I didn't get to come to the reunion so I could have spent some time with her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Melinda Wadzeck (Woods)
Nita was a great presence in many people lives. When I read the notice of her death the wind left my body for a moment. I remember smile, willingness to offer a word of comfort. For sure the Angels have a new songbird. How glorious. Soon my friend we will see each other.
Luther (Walter) Foust Jr.
I am so shocked @ this time to read of another one of our dear, sweet classmates passing.
I too was so glad that I went to our former 50 yr. class reunion..barely over a yr. ago now. It was so
good to see Nita...She & I talked @ great length about our days in Acappella Choir...in fact she was
the one that encouraged Gary Stone & I to come to the rehersal we had on Saturday afternoon @ on
the campas of Wayland, where we rehearsed for the program that night as we sung in memory of the
former classmates that have already left us in sleep.
Nita was such a sweet~ free spirit...I am deeply saddened to hear of this news...so soon...it was so good to
see Sally and so many others that I had started out in school with back in the days.
When Nita was in Valley Mills...we visited on Facebook & by phone 3 or 4 times..discussing how times &
situtations have changed. My Grand Parents on my Dad's side of the family were from that area.
We talked about how my folks bought our '53 Plymouth from Kelly...Nita's Dad back when it was Newman
Motor Company...in Plainview.
Remembering that large home that she & her family had on So.. Broadway...so many bathrooms I thought~
in the day with different colored laboratories. It's so funny & interesting what we remember so vividly when we were all so young..back then.
Nita was so pretty & such a good friend whom I know will be sorely missed for only...a short time..through
her slumber...in the wink of an eye...until hopefully we will all be together again someday soon...with a new
spiritual & physical body...that will never be sick ...grow tired or weary...& the best part we are promised in
our new heavenly home...we will never grow old & never have to saly Goodbye...ever again.
So rest well my sweet former High School Queen...Can't wait for that REUNION that we will have forever...
Pauline Walker (Heidel)
Nita left a wonderful imprint on our lives. I am blessed to have known her. Prayers for her family and everyone who loved her.