The Monitor <www.themonitor.com> 31 July 2008 JUANITA "NITA" ATWOOD EDINBURG, TX - Juanita Irene "Nita" Atwood, 79, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. She was born on February 8, 1929 in Temple, Texas. For the next 18 years, Nita lived with her parents, Covert and Irene Reynolds in Freer, Texas. Nita graduated Valedictorian from Freer High School in 1946. She married Edward Lee Atwood on June 6, 1947 and moved to Edinburg and began their amazing 61 year marriage. She finished her education at Pan American with a Masters of Education. She started her 31 year teaching career at Sam Houston Elementary in 1957. When Freddy Gonzalez Elementary opened, Nita transferred to the new school, where she continued to teach 3rd grade until her retirement. She then substituted in Edinburg schools for an additional 8 more years during her retirement. Nita loved children and it was reflected in the manner in which she taught. Nita was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Edinburg for over 50 years. She was active in teaching Sunday School, Children's Church, and organizing and teaching Vacation Bible School. Mrs. Atwood is survived by her husband, Edward Lee Atwood of Edinburg; children, Steve (Mary Ann) Atwood of McAllen; Pat (Lance) Hawkins of Boerne, TX; Keith (Mary Ann) Atwood of Katy, TX; 9 grandchildren, Lori (Rey) Ramos of Edinburg; Lisa (Harold) Mican of Austin; Troy (Angela) Atwood of Lake Jackson; Leah (Darin) Cottrell of McAllen; Terrell (Kandi) Hawkins of Midland; Bryan (Cathy) Hawkins of Boerne; and Justin (Jenna) Hawkins of League City; Megan Atwood of Golden, CO; Hayley Atwood of Belton, TX; also survived by 8 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Austin Ramos, Hayden Mican, Hobie and Zoe Atwood, Jordan and Jared Cottrell, and Morgan Hawkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Covert Sidney and Irene I. Reynolds of Freer, TX. Visitation will be today, with family to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Skinner Silva Funeral Home in Pharr. The family welcomes you to celebrate Nita's life at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008, at The First Baptist Church in Edinburg, with Rev. Mark Rotramel officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Freer Alumni Association, c/o Cherry Smith, PO Drawer 1217, Freer, TX 78357, or to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 201 E. Samano, Edinburg, TX 78539. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nita's caregivers: Mary Alice Arredondo and Ester Palomo, the staff at The Bridges in Mission; and Rev. Mark Rotramel, staff, and church family of First Baptist Church of Edinburg. Your kindness and support will never be forgotten. Skinner Silva Funeral Home in Pharr is in charge of arrangements.