Juanita “Nita” W. Gauldin, 91, of Martinsville, Va. passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024. She was born in Martinsville, April 26, 1932 to Paul Jackson Wyatt and Esther Thomas Wyatt Potter.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stafford C. Gauldin and special friend, Bud Thomas.
She is survived by her daughters, Julie Hall (Tom) and Martha “Marty” Martin; Grandchildren, Chad Coleman, Todd Christian Martin (Melody), Misty Martin Cox (Jason), Max Hall (Stacey Davis), Mercedes Clark (Caleb); Great Grandchildren, Malachi Mabe (Amber), Kelsey Tinsley (Josh), Kailea Martin, Breyer Martin, Wyatt Clark, Case Clark and Olivia Cox; Great great-grandchildren, Ridge Tinsley and Kellin Mabe
Nita retired from the Virginia State Police Area Office where she worked as a secretary for 29 years. She was very proud of her service with the State Police and served as a great mentor to everyone she worked with throughout the Virginia State Police.
Nita was a very active and dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville where she never said, "No" to anyone when asked to help. She was a constant in giving advice, support, and all types of assistance to anyone in the Church. She served on every major church committee to include the Business and Finance, Pulpit, Flower, and Christmas Decorating committees. She made many of the Chrismons used in decorating the trees, and taught others to make Chrismons as well. She was a life deacon, a member of WMU, and prior Sunday school teacher. Nita helped teach the B.L.A.S.T. Bible and music study educational classes for school age children, as well as helping in the nursery. She was in charge of All Saints Day for many years, which included all phases of planning for the ceremony including lighting of candles.
Nita loved helping other people and enjoyed her many years of working with CONTACT. She volunteered at Piedmont Arts, was active in Altrusa, and the Martinsville High School Bulldog Reunion Committee.
She was a great seamstress and enjoyed making a lot of the clothes her daughters wore. She also enjoyed teaching her daughters how to sew.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 12:50 pm on Monday, January 29, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Martinsville. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm and will be officiated by Reverend Dr. Libby Grammer. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Martinsville Flower Committee Fund, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA. 24112; American Cancer Society, 1079 Spruce Street, Suite C, Martinsville, VA 24112; or to the Martinsville Henry County SPCA, 132 Joseph Martin Hwy, Martinsville, VA 24112.
