Anita Terry Detweiler

Anita Terry Detweiler of Tallahassee, Florida (formerly of Houston, Texas), passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, September 6, 2024. Anita was born on March 2, 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee three minutes ahead of her twin sister Ouida.

She was the daughter of Richard E. Terry Sr. and Ethel Lee Hardy Terry. Anita, Ouida, and their brother Richard always lived by the wise words of their mother to “take care of each other”. Anita carried this motto into all facets of her life. She took care of her family, friends, and patients faithfully.

Anita graduated from Deer Park High School in 1965. From an early age, Anita wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a nurse. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Anita began her calling as a nurse at Park Plaza Hospital where she went on to become a charge nurse in the postpartum unit. She continued her career at St. Joseph Medical Center working in the level 3 NICU caring for the most premature and ill infants and comforting their families at their most vulnerable time.

Outside of the hospital, Anita also exemplified “caring for each other” through her volunteer work. She rode in the MS150 four years in a row to raise money for MS research. She also volunteered at the Houston Rodeo.

Anita’s greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She found herself moving to Florida to be closer to her grandchildren, Audrey and Henry, and frequently traveling to Connecticut to visit her grandson, Tyland.

Anita befriended coworkers who went on to be like family to her. Her chosen family included Shona, Pat, Dr. P, Victor, Vasco, Kevin, Blanca, Anna, Angela, Kelly, Natalyn, Barbara, Tracy, and many more. They traveled, attended concerts, enjoyed going out to dinner, and dancing. They shared in each other’s joys and carried each other through hardships.

Anita is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, C. David Detweiler, her mother and father-in-law Dave and Doris Detweiler, sister-in-law Elise Thomas, brother Richard E. Terry, Jr., brother-in-law Bill Hurston and partner Mike Ashley.

Anita is survived by her loving children Elizabeth Jackson (James), David Earl Detweiler (Julie), grandchildren Tyland Jackson, Henry & Audrey Detweiler, sister, Ouida Terry Hurston, nieces and nephews, Carrie Crawford, Carla Reeves, Kristen Morrisett (Paul), Stacey Fuselier (Arlen), Reid Thomas (Michelle), great niece Jordyn Crawford, great nephews Lane Crawford, Weston, Grant and Thomas Morrisett and David and Colin Fuselier.

She is also survived by cousins Sally Watts, Lann Sawyer, Calvin (Peggy), Charles (Karen) and Lee Watts, Devonne (Syd) Conner, Dan (Carolyn) Cook, friends Helen McElroy, Betty Sowers, Wanda Hattaway and her faithful Labradoodle, Lola.

Anita exemplified “caring for each other” whether it was her family, friends or patients. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery

12800 Westheimer Road

Houston, TX 77077

on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10:00am.

Visiting hours start at 9:00am.