

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a proud veteran,
and a resilient woman whose life was shaped by service, love, and strength.
Anita A. Cheatham was born on January 30, 1950, in Silsbee, Texas, to her loving parents, Edward Lee and Odessa Lee. At an early age, she was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, beginning a lifelong walk of faith. Anita and her sister, Rose, were lovingly raised by their father, who provided a strong
foundation for their upbringing. She graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1968,marking the beginning of her journey into adulthood.
After graduating, Anita chose to enlist in the United States Air Force and served her country with pride. While stationed in Colorado Springs, she met William Cheatham Jr.,who became the love of her life. When Anita was later stationed in the Philippines, their
relationship became long-distance, but their bond stayed strong. After two years apart, Anita returned to Colorado, and they married.
After they married, Anita and William moved to Germany and started their family. While living there, Anita gave birth to their first child, Jada Cheatham, on November 28, 1973.
Anita served in the military for 5 years before returning to Houston, Texas, to start a new chapter.
Once back in Houston, Anita began a long, successful career in Human Resources at Shell Oil Company. Soon after, she welcomed her second child, William Cheatham III.
Anita balanced work and family with dedication and strength. After 30 years, she retired in 2009, leaving a legacy of hard work and commitment.
Anita will be lovingly remembered for her unwavering strength, deep devotion to her family, and determined spirit.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband,
William Cheatham Jr.; her children, Jada Cheatham and William Cheatham III; her grandchildren, Asha Cheatham and Nia Cheatham; and her great-grandchildren, Londyn Cheatham and Lux Moore.
She is also survived by her sisters, Jo Evelyn Lee,
Rose Mary Holley (Dwight Holley), Joyce Lee, Patricia Kirkling (Bryan Kirkling), Lisa Johnson, Mary Wade (Jimmy Wade), and Michelle Johnson; her brothers, Walter Lee (Shirley Lee) and Ray Lee Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Juliet Hunter and Portia Johnson; and a host of nieces and nephew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Lee and Odessa Johnson; her brothers, John Lee and Charles Johnson; and her sister, Carolyn Johnson.
In retirement, Anita focused on what she loved most: being a grandmother and enjoying life. She treasured time with her family and loved traveling, making special memories along the way.
She will be deeply missed, always loved, and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held at One Church @ Harvest Point, 2450 Garden Rd, Pearland, TX 77581, US, on May 2, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location @ 11:00 am.
A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on Monday,
May 4, 2026, from 12:45 pm.
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