Juanita Ritchie

Nita was born on June 11, 1936, to Earl and Gladys Hornsby in Columbia, SC. She graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1954. After graduation, she worked as a financial secretary 40+ years, most notably with J. W. Hunt and Company in Columbia, SC. Her passion for details and numbers continued throughout her career and personal life. She maintained journal and photo collections that provide evidence of a life well-lived.

Nita’s biggest accomplishment was as wife and mother. She met her husband David at the age of 12 when he spotted her in a schoolhouse window. He was only 14 himself, but he knew she was to be his bride. From that moment, there were no others for either Nita or David. They married on September 17, 1954.

When her only son, Dwight David was born in 1959, her emphasis shifted to nurturing her family. While she continued to work in the public sector, her priority became making sure her husband and son were well cared for. She was married for almost 65 years when she lost the love of her life. Shortly thereafter, she left Columbia to move closer to her son in Mint Hill, NC, where she resided at The Little Flower Assisted Living facility. Now, in death, she joins “Big David” to celebrate their 70th anniversary, together once more.

Nita was predeceased by her husband David, her mother and father, and her only sister Betty. She is survived by her loving son David and his wife Deborah.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date at The Little Flower. She will be interred at Crescent Hill Memorial Garden in Columbia beside her loving husband. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Little Flower Staff Fund, 8700 Lawyers Rd., Charlotte, NC 28227. “They became our adopted family and cared for our dear mother for several years. Words cannot convey the love and gratitude we have for our Little Flower family.”