Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin

1948 ∼ 2022

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Mrs. Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin of Port Neches TX passed away January 7, 2022 at Baptist Hospital. Nita was the daughter of the late JB and Dorothy Johnstone and was born on August 3, 1948 in Pt Arthur TX. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School where she graduated in the class of 1966. Nita was employed by Unocal in 1978 and later retired from Chevron in 2015.

Nita and Eddie McGowin married January 1st 1985 and just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her husband, her 2 Children, Christie Britten and Chuck Britten and daughter in law Shannon Britten of Bridge City, TX. Nita has 6 grandchildren along with their spouses and 3 great grandchildren. Mother-in-Law Nita McGowin, brother and sister in laws, Harold and Kathy McGowin, Mike and Denise McGowin, Russell and Tammy McNeil along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her two sisters, Sue Dammon and Joy Landry and father-in-law Rev. E. W. McGowin.

Nita was a loyal and active member of Faith Baptist Temple in Pt. Neches. She loved to attend all of her grandchildren’s sporting events and was a devoted wife, mother, Maw and Aunt NiNi.

A visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022, at Melancon Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas. A Chapel Service will be conducted to Honor the Life of Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Melancon Funeral Home with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Cain Draper, Coy Draper, Cayce Draper, Chip Darby, Walker Britten and Curtis Stratton.

Memorial Video

Condolences

Emily Dammon January 11, 2022

Aunt Nini’s laugh is just the best thing, I can hear it now! I can remember as a young girl, sitting next to Aunt Nini in church and her whispering, laughing, and her arm around me. She always made me feel so loved and so important. I’m so grateful for the years spent sharing holidays and special times together.

Jane Wilson January 10, 2022

Watching the beautiful video, I realize that I never really knew the members of the family that she loved so much. I met Nita when we were in high school, and together with Sheila Louvier, we shared so many adventures and slumber parties. After graduation, my family left Port Arthur, so I only saw Nita at reunions. She was always so much fun and such a gentle spirit, that I know her loss will be felt by all her family and friends for all their days. I read somewhere, "Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again." I know Skeeter's health had been very fragile for the last couple of years ... well, she's healed now. She's met Jesus! She's reconnected to those who have gone Home before her. We had a very long phone conversation about six months ago, after Sheila told me she had almost died. We laughed like we did in high school. We talked about health issues. We talked about death. We talked about Heaven. My older brother recently visited his best friend in Luling. As they were saying goodbye, his friend said to him, "Well, if one of us dies before we meet again, goodbye." Until we meet again, my dear friend. I love you. Jane Wilson

Melancon'S Funeral Home January 10, 2022

Melancon's Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin

Michelle Hickey January 10, 2022

I had the pleasure of doing Nita’s nails for many years. I will never forget our chats and how much she loved her family. She was one of those sweet people that was so easy to connect with. I adored her and know she is in the loving arms of her Father. I will keep her family in my prayers during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies, Michelle Forrest Hickey

Jan Tomlin January 9, 2022

Nita and I met when she hired in at UNOCAL in 1978. Immediately, we felt like kindred spirits. Her Dad and my Dad had both worked at Pure Oil. Her Mom and my Mom were both born on April 7, 1918 We had the same family dynamic. Nita was crazy about her family and was devout in her faith. Nita’s true purpose in life was to take care of her family and make sure that everyone was okay. She was so proud of you all. For many years, we had so much fun working together. We laughed, we cried, we married, divorced, married again and raised our kids together. Through good times and bad, Nita was always there for you. If you were her friend, Nita would take up for you to the end, even though, sometimes she may not truly feel you were right. My son, David, says one of his fondest memories is of me laying on the floor with the phone cord stretched across the room talking and laughing with Nita about whatever had happened at work that day. That was a nightly occurrence. Another testament to her friendship was when Nita attended one of our son’s baseball games. He was pitching. She and my husband, Charles, were sitting behind home plate and both ended up getting kicked out of the ballpark for hollering at the umpire for his bad calls. We laughed about that for years. Charles was as crazy about Nita as I was. My heart hurts terribly at the loss of my dear friend but I take comfort in knowing that she is looking down on us now, smiling, standing next to our Heavenly Father. Love you with all my heart, Nita. Until we meet again. Jan Tomlin

Cheryl Stelly January 9, 2022

Anita and I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1966. She was as funny, sweet, and kind a person then as she was now. When I became a member of Faith Baptist Temple, I was overjoyed to see that she was a member too. Our friendship grew with time. She was loved by many and always had a smile for each of us! Randy and I will miss her so. We will be praying for her family and friends in their grief. I know someday we will be reunited with God in heaven. Love you, Nita! Cheryl and Randy Stelly

Jimmy Myers January 9, 2022

She was a true woman of God and a pleasure to work with through the years. I know Eddie and family will miss her physical presence but she will still be their spiritual guide

Karen Dubois January 8, 2022

Nita was such a good friend all throughout high school and after, when we were beginning our adult lives. I spent so much time in her home that it felt like a second home to me. Nita never had a harsh word about anyone. She was always smiling and ready to laugh about the absurdities of life and there were plenty of those. I count myself blessed to have had such a good friend as Nita. They just don’t come along every day. She was a special person as many others can attest. I know that there will be lots of smiles and laughter as those who have gone before meet her at the gate. It is a comfort to me that those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.

Tina Hebert Balsamo January 8, 2022

Tina Hebert Balsamo lit a candle in memory of Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin

Johnny Dammon January 8, 2022

I will miss my aunt Anita. I grew up with Nita being more like my older sister than my aunt. Just over ten years older than me, we played together, walked to Rayford’s grocery together, got in trouble together, and for as long as I can remember, Aunt Nita was always part of my life. She used to come over and stay with us sometimes and at the dinner table she would let me pass her my green beans so I could leave the table and go play. Mom said, “you can’t leave until you’ve eaten your green beans.” Thanks for eating my green beans, Nita. I spent a lot of time at 825 Brazos in Port Arthur. I think Nita was glad my mom and Aunt Joy got married and moved away, if for no other reason, she could finally have her own bedroom without sharing with both of her sisters. One day Nita and I were riding her bike and I was on the back and cut my ankle and carried that scar my whole life. We always joked about that. She loved to hold me down and tickle me, we were the best of friends. Recently, she would listen to our church services and my sermons live on FB, always making comments that were sweet, positive, and encouraging. That’s the main thing, I think. Nita always …. always …. had a positive word for those she loved. I will miss my aunt Nita, but look forward to seeing her again in heaven. Johnny Dammon

Kimberly Brown January 8, 2022

Kimberly Brown lit a candle in memory of Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin

Kimberly Brown January 8, 2022

Wishing you and your family loving memories to forever hold in your heart and comfort for the days ahead. If there is anything you need Christie know that I am here for you. Love you.:heart: Kim

Christie Britten January 8, 2022

As we were gathering things for mom's services, Chuck stumbled across the last poem she wrote for us.... she was such a talented writer When the day finally comes, that I’ve left this old world, and moved on to Heaven above I know it will be hard for some left behind, especially for those that I love. You can cry at the thought of the times that we shared, and the end of those precious days Or at remembering a time of “Maw and her mouth” and some of the things I would say. Some may shed a tear at “a sporting event, when you don’t have to tell me to calm down Or to watch what I said because though I could go home, you all still had to stay around. If you’re at all like me, there are many things that will trigger a gulp or a tear, Whether it be a song that you hear, a food that you eat, or doing one of my many fears. But I pray that these tears don’t last too long, just touch your heart for a while, And that soon it will pass and when those memories appear, tears will be replaced with a smile. Because as much as I’ll miss the times that we shared and all the people I loved, I won’t be crying and I won’t be afraid, I’ll be happy forever in Heaven above.

Hedy Ryder January 8, 2022

Hedy Ryder lit a candle in memory of Anita Ruth Johnstone McGowin

event Visitation

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627

directions Get Directions

schedule Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

event Other