Anita Latise McCary

On July 8, 2025, our beloved Anita Latise McCary peacefully transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith and generosity. Anita (affectionately known as Nita and other endearing terms such as Nana) was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois on September 9, 1961, to the late Nicholas and Jessie Portee. Anita was from a family of five girls and grew up surrounded by a vibrant and close-knit community that helped shape her into the remarkable woman she became.

Anita was raised in the Progressive Missionary Baptist church from birth. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at any early age and was baptized. Anita has a tremendous voice and performed in many choirs as well as with the traveling Ellis Franklin singers.

Anita was an exceptional student and attended Bloom Trail High School where she was a member of the National Honors Society. She completed two years of study at Upper Iowa University.

Anita and Charlie were also high school sweethearts, and they got married on August 1, 1981, at the tender age of 19 at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Two years later in the month of September, Charles McCary, II was born and Carena was born 5 years later, also in September. Anita was a loving and amazing mother and very dedicated to her children and her family.

Anita started her work experience as a bank teller at First National Bank of Chicago and worked in several financial institutions throughout the years. After vacationing in Las Vegas, Charlie and Anita decided it would be a great place to raise a family and subsequently relocated in 1995.

She earned a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 2005. Her final place of employment was Yes and Company where she was the Director of Treasury. She loved her job and co-workers and enjoyed mentoring others and being the proverbial “shoulder to cry on.”

Anita joined From the Heart Church Ministries Las Vegas in May 2000, which later changed its name to Grace Church, Inc. Her faith and trust in Jesus became the cornerstone of her life, guiding her every step and inspiring those around her. She served faithfully in the church in whatever capacity was needed – the Choir, Praise Team, Children’s Church, Grief Share, Keepers of God’s House, Bookstore, Intercessory Prayer and Women of God Lifegivers Fellowship. Anita’s devotion to her faith was evident in every act of service.

Those who knew Anita will remember her for her loving and peaceful disposition, her compassionate spirit, and her giving heart. Her kindness knew no bounds and her genuine smile could light up any room. She possessed an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel valued and loved, embodying the essence of a true and dedicated follower of Christ.

Anita’s enduring impact will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind. Her unwavering faith, compassion and dedication to her family and community will be treasured forever.

Anita leaves to cherish her memory, Charlie her devoted husband of 43 years; her favorite son Charles McCary, II, (Kamesha); her favorite daughter, Carena Harris (Dai’Mar); her sisters Vivian Range (Nathaniel) and Dorice Wilson; sister-cousin Mary Cargill (Lonnie); Vergia McCary (mother-in-law); sisters-in-law Gwen McCary and Linda McCary; brother-in-law Carl McCary (Andrea); grandchildren Daniel McCary, Dai’Mar Harris II, Lailah Harris, Zoey McCary; best friends: Gernise Flowers (Terry), Pam McDuel (Darryl), Carlotta Williams (Mike), Darlene Moody, Keith Barge (Angela); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Nicholas and Jessie Portee; sisters Novella Portee and Dorothy Gossett; uncle Vovius and aunt Louise Miller, nephews Nathaniel (Rodney) Range and Bryan Gossett, and father-in-law Charles McCary.

As we celebrate the life of Anita Latise McCary, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the arms of her Savior. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and the love, faith and generosity she embodied will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

A private service is being planned.

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