Nita Van Leslie

 Nita Van Jones Leslie, age 81, of Riceville, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2018 at St Thomas West Hospital in Nashville.  Born on May 17, 1937 to the late Lenard and Ruby Harrison Jones, Nita was a lifelong resident of McMinn County. After her husband retired from AT&T, they moved to the Leslie Century Farm in Riceville and enjoyed raising cattle. Nita loved her children immensely and went far and above to always make sure holidays were special. Her Christmas trees were creative and special each year and each present looked professionally wrapped (no bags at this house). Her grandchildren were her delight. From making birthday cakes and hosting birthday parties, to attending softball games, Nita made sure to be part of her grandchidren’s lives. Nita was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church and the Etowah Chapter of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. To those who knew Nita well, she lived life to the fullest and now rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior. She will be greatly missed by those she touched, but her legacy will be carried on by her family.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leslie; granddaughter, Candace Leslie; siblings, Olen Jones, Troy Jones, Edna Jones, and Caroll Jones. Nita is survived by her four children and spouses, Debbie and Steve Henry of Hernando, Mississippi, Larry and Beverly Leslie of Dalton Georgia, Lisa and Chris Tarver of Winder, Georgia, and Scott and Cindy Leslie of Riceville; grandchildren and spouses, Misty and Brian Szewczyk, Chris and Rebecca Henry, Brandon Leslie, Christopher and Lindsay Tarver, Caleb Tarver, Hunter Leslie and Hailey Leslie; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Brianna, Brandon, Anna Thomas, Jack, Cash, Stella, Amelia, Naomi, Elodie Nita, Koleman, Cooper, and Gracie;  and brother, Joe Jones of Indiana. Several nieces, nephews, extended family members and good friends also survive. A Celebration of Life and Home going for Nita Leslie will be held at 4p.m. Monday, September 3, 2018 from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Brother Randy Harmon officiating. Interment will follow in the Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with Chris Tarver, Christopher Tarver, Caleb Tarver, Steve Henry,  Chris Henry, and Hunter Leslie serving as pall bearers.  The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Monday prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of comfort and view the family guestbook online at www.serenityfunerals.com Serenity Of Etowah Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.