Nita Padgett

She was born in Lake City, Fl., and settled in Jacksonville. She later moved to Los Angeles, Ca., and started a contact lens business with her son, James Beeler. Nita moved back to Jacksonville in 1982 and continued to grow the business they started.

Nita was an amazing, strong woman- loved by so many! She loved the ocean, and was a member of the Northeast Florida Marlin Club for over 30 years. She was a 100 ton licensed captain, and ventured far out into the ocean to catch the biggest fish she could find! She took up golf later in life, and that became her next outdoor love.

Nita loved her family, and they truly loved her! She is survived by her spouse of 25 years, Nancy White, sister, Barbara Rushing, son, James Beeler, daughter-in-law, Ana Beeler, grandson, Jimmy Beeler, Jr., and his fiancé, Amara Clark, granddaughter Samantha Garland and husband, John Garland, and her beloved black lab, Skylar.

She was a cherished wife, sister, mother, mother in law, grandmother and aunt.

Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her stories, laughter and steady presence made every family gathering warm and inviting. She taught us the value of patience - in both fishing and in life- and the importance of making time for the people we love.

We will all miss her terribly, but we know with assurance that she has gone to live in the big ocean with the Lord.

A Celebration of her life will be held, Saturday, June 28th at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Community Hospice of NE FL,

4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jax, Fl. 32257, or give online at thefoundationcares.org.