Juanita "Nita" Saunders Summey

Asheville – Born in Washington, D.C., Nita spent her early life in beautiful New Hampshire, eventually graduating from high school in Key West, Fl. She attended Appalachian State University where she met and fell in love with her fellow classmate and future husband, Paul Summey, a native of Forest City, NC. While Paul was in the Air Corps in 1941, Nita also served her country in the Women's Army Air Corps (WACS), being stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX and earning the rank of staff sergeant. After the war, they settled in Gaffney, SC until 1952 when Paul once again went on active duty in the Air Force. Over the next 18+ years they lived all over the world, including Georgia, California, Mississippi, Panama, Taiwan and North Carolina, finally retiring in 1970 in Sarasota, FL. Nita was a woman of many talents – a model, a buyer for a department store, travel agent, belly dancer, mother, wife, grandmother and homemaker. She was an avid player of Bridge, Mah Jongg, Parcheesi and Yahtzee, who enjoyed competing with her family at games of all kinds. She traveled to every corner of the world with a sense of adventure and curiosity, riding camels and elephants, going on safaris and visiting most every country. Nita knew no fear. During this time she amassed an impressive collection of dolls from her travels. Her fashion sense was impeccable and her love of shopping was legendary, as was her ability to throw the perfect dinner party for her friends. She lived the life she dreamed of every step of the way, and began each evening with a "toddy for the body". Nita considered New Hampshire her home, Florida her residence and North Carolina the place that gave her asthma. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living for the wonderful care and support they provided over the last five years. Nita is survived by her son, Paul; daughter-in-law, Diane; granddaughter, Heather; grandson, Tripp; grandson-in-law, Joe and 4 great grandchildren, Robbie, Jacob, Elizabeth and Caroline. A graveside service took place on Friday, April 24, 2015 for Juanita and her predeceased husband, Paul, at Palms Memorial Park in Florida A memorial service will be held at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association or a charity of one's choice.