Nita J. McAlister

Nita McAlister
Wilma Juanita (Rogers) McAlister, better known as Nita, passed peacefully into Heaven on September 18, 2021, at the age of 92.  She was born on February 16, 1929, in Mansfield, Arkansas, to John D. and Virginia (Goodnight) Rogers.  She was the youngest of six, sister to John D. Jr, Arthur, Matilda, Dorthy and Martha.  Nita moved to California as a young adult to work for Frito-Lay, where she met her husband, J.L. McAlister.  They were married on August 19, 1950, and enjoyed 63 years together before his death in 2013.  They were blessed with one son, Kevin.  In 1965 Jay answered the call to preach, and the family moved to the central California area.  They pastored churches in Lindsay, Farmersville, Earlimart, Visalia and Exeter, though they made their home in Farmersville and pastored there for 20 years.  Nita loved being a pastor's wife and being involved with various ministries.  She was the top seller of Bean Feed tickets at Farmersville Free Will Baptist Church for decades, raising money to send many children to church camp.  Nita worked as a library aide for Farmersville schools for 20 years, which she also enjoyed tremendously.  After retirement, Nita kept busy baby-sitting her grandkids, working at church, and visiting with friends.  She loved to be around people!  She truly enjoyed living at Magnolia Park Assisted Living for the past three years, where Esperanza and her wonderful staff always made Nita feel extra special and loved. 
Nita was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband.  She is survived by her son Kevin, daughter-in-law Connie, granddaughter Jill (Eric) White, grandson Daniel (Selena) McAlister, and great-grandchildren Sydney, Zane and Aubrey White and Coen and Everleigh McAlister, her sister-in-law Myrtle Rogers, and many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Tuesday, September 28, at 10:00 at the Farmersville Free Will Baptist Church, 239 S. Dode, Farmersville, with viewing before the service from 9:00 to 10:00.  Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Chapel.

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