Juanita "Nita" Elks

Mrs. Juanita Elks went to be with her heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at the age of 75.  She is survived by her husband, Henry Elks of Tioga, LA; her daughters Holly Knight (Jamie) of Madison, MS and Joy Miller (Randall) of Memphis, TN; grandsons Joey Bellino and Walker Knight; her doggie grandchildren Lulu, Brewster, Minnie, and Lucy; her sister Dora (Mike) Stoker, brother Jimmy (Glenda) Neely, sister-in-law Patsy (Kenneth) Neely. She is survived by Henry’s children; Brian Phillips, Jeff Elks, Cynthia Cunningham, Michelle Goudeaux, and grandchildren; Jordon Venson, Carrie Elks, Corrine (Brandon) Veach, Ashley (Lucas) Lacour, Alyssa (Allen) Patterson.

Mrs. Elks is preceded in death by her mother and father, Burl and Hazel Neely, and first husband, Joe Haahn, and her brothers, Alvin Grimes and Kenneth Neely.  She had a long career in education in Texas and Louisiana, teaching in Hidalgo County, TX, Grant and Natchitoches Parish School Districts, Alexandria Jr. High, Slocum Elementary. Her final professional position capped off her career as the head of the Rapides Parish Schools’ Homeless programs, where she contributed much of her time and energy to the students and their families, helping them meet their physical, emotional, social, and economic needs.  Her daughters and their friends nicknamed her “Sweeta Nita”.  Her sweet spirit was noted through her community service and advocacy of children.  Nita supported the efforts of the Hope House of Central Louisiana, Central LA Homeless Coalition, Salvation Army and she served as a 4-H leader.

Nita was a member of First Baptist Church of Pineville, where she served as a Sunday School and Bible Drill teacher.   She was creative in every way.  She enjoyed square dancing and her domino ladies’ group. She was an avid music lover and played clarinet in the community symphonic orchestra for years. Nita also volunteered as a professional clown at various community events, complete with full make up and dress.  Loving and helping children were her passions.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and helping anyone who needed her assistance. Even after her professional career ended, she continued to teach throughout her life, sharing her wisdom with her grandchildren and all those who crossed her path. Most of all, she loved being a mother.

Pallbearers will be; Joey Bellino, Walker Knight, Jamie Knight, Randall Miller, Brian Phillips, Ryan Walker, Dustin Jones, Kevin Stoker, Mike Stoker (Honorary), and Jimmy Neely (Honorary).

She will be interred in Sikes, LA at the Dulaney family cemetery following the service at Hixon Brothers in Pineville on Saturday, October 16 at 11:00 am. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Maranatha Community Closet, 4517 McArther Dr., Alexandria, LA 71302.

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