Anita Marie Slaughter, (OHS'58)

Anita Marie "Nita" Slaughter Simpson, a woman defined by her love, kindness and selflessness, passed away on August 17, 2024, in Austin, Texas, following a stroke. Born on March 16, 1940, in Kermit, Texas, to Frank and Eva Mae Slaughter, her family moved to Odessa, Texas when she was a baby. She lived in Odessa until she was 73 years old, when she moved to the Hill Country to live with her daughter.

After graduation from Odessa High School in 1958, her early intellectual pursuits led her to Odessa College, where she graduated as valedictorian in 1960 with an Associate's Degree. She continued her education at Sul Ross State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Teaching Certificate in 1962. Nita's love for learning and her desire to inspire young minds guided her to a fulfilling five-year career as an English teacher, first at Stanton High School in Stanton, Texas, and later at Ector Junior High School in Odessa.

Regardless of her professional accomplishments, Nita's life was always her family. In 1964, she married the love of her life, Leslie Conrad Simpson, who preceded her in death in 1977. Together they raised two children, Lisa 'Elaine' Simpson and Kevin Clay Simpson. Nita's family circle extended in 2000 to include her cherished daughter-in-law, Linda 'BoBo' Simpson. She had three siblings, a sassy sister, Joyce Griffin, who preceded her in death, her adored younger sister, Jan Golden (Kenneth) of Odessa, Texas, and her devoted brother, Ron Slaughter of Fredericksburg, TX; her sister-in-law, Frances Hamilton of Goldthwaite, Texas was not only a sister-in-law, but also a beloved friend.

Nita is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and neighbors with a special place in her heart. Notably, Nita is also survived by Bonkers, her cat.

Nita's compassion knew no bounds, especially when it came to animals. She always rooted for the underdog and was moved by any creature in need. She opened her heart and her home to any creature in need, from cats and dogs to turtles. Whether it had two legs or four, Nita wanted to be kind to it, to nurture it and to give it a name.

In her 70’s, she and her sister Joyce were early members of Grace Point Church of Odessa. At the church she loved helping in the nursery and baking goods for the hospitality table. She joyfully packed school backpacks for the annual back to school service and joined the church ladies when it was their turn to cook lunch for the unhoused at The Jesus House.

She displayed that same generosity of spirit to the community of Granite Shoals, where, in her 80’s, she established a 'Free Little Library' in front of her home. Nita meticulously curated the collection to cater to readers of all ages and interests, ensuring that the joy of reading was accessible to everyone. As we remember Nita, we feel humbled and blessed that we were recipients of her love, kindness, creativity, loyalty and dedication to the well-being of others. Nita's story is not ending. She will live on in memory of love and generosity that will be carried forward by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A memorial service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home, 145 Texas Ave, Kingsland, TX on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Loved ones plan to dress in her favorite colors of blues, aquas and/or teals.

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