Juanita McInnes

Mrs. McInnes, 95, of Charlotte, peacefully passed Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at her residence at the Summit of South Park.

Nita was born near Bennettsville, SC on November 27, 1919. She was the daughter of the late David A. and Vernon C. McLeod. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Eunice McLeod Campbell, Ruby McLeod and brother, Hillard Jack McLeod. Nita grew up in Scotland County, NC. She graduated from Presbyterian School of Nursing in 1942 and married Ralph C. Clontz, Jr. She served in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II as a Second Lieutenant. She later worked in Medical Research in venous heart catheterization at Duke Hospital. Nita and Ralph had two children and were divorced in 1960.

Nita attended and graduated from Queens College in 1961 earning a BS in Nursing. After graduation she worked in Private Duty Nursing. She married H. Stanley McInnes in 1976 and they lived in Naples, FL.

After Mr. McInnes’ passing in 1986, Nita moved back to NC with homes in Charlotte and Blowing Rock. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She became very active in the affairs of Queens College. While she was a proud and beloved member of the class of 1961, she served the college in several capacities. She served as a Trustee from 1997 – 2007 and was a member of the Capital Planning Committee. Nita was presented with the honorary title of Trustee Emerita of Queens in 2010. She was a member of the Ministrare Leadership Society, the Albright Legacy Society, the Royal Society and the Learning Society. The 1997 renovation in Burwell Hall resulted in the parlors being named in her honor.

In Blowing Rock, she was very involved in activities centered around Blowing Rock Country Club. She enjoyed summers in the mountains entertaining friends and family, most especially playing bridge and sharing her deep catalogue of stories. She was also a member of Myers Park Country Club.

Nita’s life can best be summed up in the words of Proverbs 31:25 – “She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” She is greatly missed.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Elizabeth Perry of Signature Healthcare, Angela Martin, Leslie Browne, and the staff of the Summit of Southpark for their care.

Nita is survived by children – Harriet Clontz Sealey (Marshall) and Ralph C. Clontz III (Claudia) of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Lauren L. (Sealey) Medsker (Scott) of Franklin, TN, Clayton D. Sealey (Candace) of Brooklyn, NY, Adam C. Clontz (Annah) of Charlotte and Evan L. Clontz of Berkeley, CA; and two great-grandsons, Davis and Wilson Medsker.

A Memorial Service honoring Nita’s life will be held at Belk Chapel, Queens University on Saturday, November 7, at 2 pm. The family will receive friends at a reception to be held immediately following the service in the McInnes Parlors of Burwell Hall. The family requests that contributions be considered to Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207.