Nina, Skeets, Nita, Kat, and KA, all one in the same and formally known as Kanita Ann Davis Maxwell, is believed to have said “that’s great Lovebug” as she left us for Heaven on February 19th.  She was a proud woman of 90 years, sassy as the day is long.

Born July 21, 1934, donning red, white, and blue sequins, Kanita declared Oklahoma to be the sacred state for her arrival into Thackerville, to parents Elva Meurl Lee Pope and William Lester Beavers.  She was one of eight children but inarguably the smartest and best looking of them all.

Having graduated Thackerville High, Kanita fled tornado alley for another winded destination — Washington, DC, where she was Administrative Assistant to then Senator Ralph Yarbrough.  It was in DC Kanita met Robert Alan Davis, to whom she dated; it was a favorite memory that the two would race cars together, Kanita in a Carroll Shelby designed Sunbeam Tiger, in which she would ALWAYS win.  She was a redhead at the time — put it together. It was in these fun and happy years, Kanita and Robert married, having their only child, Allen.  He, too, was the smartest and best looking of all his siblings.  Having lost husband and father to leukemia two years later, Kanita and son returned home, yet this time to the right side of the Red River in Gainesville, Texas.

Kanita was a no-nonsense woman who did what she needed to do without hesitation or delay.  She happily made ends meet by driving a school bus, working at WalMart, and being quite the crossing guard at Edison Elementary.  It was at Gainesville Memorial Hospital, though, that Kanita flourished.  If you entered/exited the O’Neal St. doors, she’d be the first/last person you would encounter, and your day would be better for it.  Kanita was a friendly, capable, and devoted Administrative Assistant to GMH administrators Gerald Culwell and Bill Abbott for over 30 years.  It was here she found her calling:  people.

In 1990, Kanita was blessed with a second chance at love when she met and married Mack Dorman Maxwell.  Employed by Bealls in Gainesville, Mack was a loving, supportive husband, and thanks to the discount, made Kanita’s love of style and fashion a cinch.  She was always beautifully put together.

It was after her retirement, Kanita found her ultimate calling:  Nina.  Her grandchildren kept her smiling, bragging, and busy — just the way she liked it.  Mason and Parker knew their Nina hung the moon, and Nina knew the meaning and love those boys brought to her life.  Her highest priority was spending time with her grandsons.  Her son, daughter-in-law, and the Wolf Den can testify to this truth.

Kanita knew best the importance and value of volunteerism.  With too many honors, awards, and offices to name, she served most of her adult life serving the Gainesville Lion’s Club (30 years), Soroptimist Club of Gainesville (30+ years), Gainesville State School Student Support Council, and the Cooke County Medical Society.  She volunteered at Stanford House for Active Seniors, ABBA, Abigail’s Arms, Morton Museum, and VISTO, among others.  Her can-do attitude made her a leader who made things happen and got things done.  She loved the Lord and the book of the Father— still does — and called Temple Baptist her church home.

As if she had time, Kanita’s personal interests were reading the Bible daily, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, game shows, and stirring conversations with others.  She was very friendly, open, and herself wherever she went.  She will be deeply missed.

Predeceasing this marvelous person are her parents, both husbands, brothers Jack Pope, Jim Pope, Bob Pope, John Pope, Gene Beavers, and Nim Allen Pope; and grandson, Zachary Maxwell.

Kanita Ann is held lovingly in memory by son and wife, Allen and Renee Davis; grandchildren, Mason Davis and Parker Davis; Stephanie Zwinggi, Elizabeth Zwinggi Lee, and Kyle Zwinggi, Garrett Lee; Alex Maxwell; Travis Lee; Isaac Maxwell; Andrew Maxwell; Rebecca Lee; nephew and wife Mike and Debra Beavers; sibling Una Mae Pope Andrews; step-children Mark (Karen) Maxwell, Keith (Cheryl) Maxwell; Elizabeth Maxwell Lee (Robert) and ten great-grandchildren.

The Celebration of Kanita Ann Davis Maxwell will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m.  at Temple Baptist Church. Retired Dr. Eddie Chennault will preside. Flowers are welcome as are memorial gifts made to VISTO, Stanford House, or the Gainesville Lions Club.

As the beautiful rose Nina was to us all, we thank those who loved and cared for her finally and best:  friends and family, Temple Baptist Church, Wheeler Terrace, Chris Stevens/Meador Funeral Home and Eddie Chennault. God bless you.