NEWPORT NEWS - Anita S. Garner died on April 5, 2016 after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness.

She was born to John H. and Iola E. Snead in Newport News and was a life-long Peninsula resident.

She graduated from Newport News High School in 1950 and was elected Queen of her graduating class. She attended Virginia Intermont for one year and then transferred to Madison College (now James Madison University) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1954. At Madison she was President of the German Club (dance), May Queen her senior year, a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, and a member of the tennis team.

Anita loved playing golf and tennis and enjoyed gardening at her home. Also a talented artist, she painted portraits of her family and pets as well as outdoor scenes.

Following graduation from Madison, Anita worked as a home economist for VEPCO and then taught the 7th grade at Hidenwood Elementary School for a number of years before stopping to raise her family. When her children were young, she spent countless hours taking them to swimming and golf practices and events. She later became a realtor and spent most of her time as a real estate agent with Carpenter Brothers Realty.

She was a member of the Newport News Historical Commission from 1993-1996 and was also a member of the City's North End Architectural Review Board. She was the editor and publisher of "Captain's Tour", the Newport News Centennial Celebration cookbook, a Board Member and past President of the North End Preservation and Historical Association (NEPHA), and was a President of the Newport News Bar Auxillary. Anita worked diligently with others in the successful, laborious task of having North End-Huntington Heights designated as a Historical Area and also in working to have the City designate the little City Park at the entrance to the Historical Area.

She was also a longtime member of the former First Presbyterian Church of Newport News and was a member of the former 24th Street Church of Christ in Newport News before that.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Jack Raymond Snead and Lt. Col. Douglas Lee Snead USMC, and her sister Vivian S. Gowell.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Walter Glover Garner, Jr.; children Elizabeth Garner Chapman (Kermit) of Raleigh, NC and Walter G. Garner III, MD (Karen) of Gainsville, FL; grandchildren Matthew, Daniel, Stephen, and Joseph Chapman and Brian, Rachel, David, James, and John Garner. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Wallace K. Garner, MD (Barbara) of Newport News, VA and Earle Gowell of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and her sisters-in-law Helen Snead of Oakland, CA and Ann H. Snead of Williamsburg, VA, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to offer a special thanks to Riverside House Calls Practice, Riverside Home Care Services and RN Annie T., and also to Hidenwood Pharmacy and RNs Jennifer and Cathy M., Stay at Home Personal Care Employees, and CNA Sandra "Connie" B. and RN Maggie H., Riverside and Sentara hospitals, doctors, nurses, and employees, and all others who assisted in and managed her care.

Burial services were private among family members who cherish the memories of her loving and wonderful life. Altmeyer Funeral Home assisted the family.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Anita's memory may donate to the Riverside Foundation, 608 Denbigh Blvd. Suite 700, Newport News, VA 23608 or to a favorite charity. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in Daily Press on April 17, 2016.
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