Juanita Gray McWhorter

Juanita Ruth McWhorter, 77 of Cottonwood community, in Madison County, went home to be with the Lord Monday, August 5. Visitation will be held at Cozart Funeral Home Wednesday, August 7, from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Rock Prairie Baptist Church at 10:30 am Thursday, August 8. Services officiated by Pastor Olan E. Weaver. Burial will follow services at the High Prairie Cemetery in Madison County.

Juanita Ruth “Nita” Gray was born May 4, 1936 in Huntsville, TX to her parents George Otis and Ruth (Hartt) Gray. Nita was married to the greatest love of her life, Samuel N. McWhorter on June 28, 1952. She was the Normangee ISD tax collector and business manager for 27 years. Nita was an amazing piano player and organist playing for the First Baptist Church in Normangee for many years. Nita was a member of the Rock Prairie Baptist Church where she was involved with the Ladies of Love group. She truly loved her church family and was a faithful servant of the Lord. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. Nita was a true talent in the kitchen baking and cooking until you were stuffed. She especially loved her grand and great grandchildren. Spending time with her family was the greatest joy in the world.

She was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother; a daughter, Becky Lynn Maness; a son, Michael Neil McWhorter; and a grandson, Ray Neil McWhorter.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Samuel N. McWhorter, of Cottonwood; two daughters, Rhonda Whitaker and husband Gary, of Flynn, and Mona Martin, of Shiner, TX; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; two sister-in-laws, Bobbie McWhorter, and Helen Porter and husband Bill; a brother-in-law, Gary McWhorter; and numerous nieces and nephews.