Danita "Nita" Mae Boothe

Danita “Nita” Mae Boothe, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, passed away on April 13, 2025, in Roanoke, Virginia, after a short illness. She was 61 years old. Born on June 6,1963, Danita was the cherished daughter of Margaret Mullins Boothe of North Tazewell, Virginia and the late John “Johnny” Howard Boothe, Sr. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving brother, John Howard Boothe, “Jr.” and her devoted sister, Melett Boothe Smith and husband Jerry, all of Tazewell, VA. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James and Pearl Brown Mullins of Tazewell and paternal grandparents George and Carrie Little Boothe, along with several paternal aunts and uncles and her maternal aunt, Blanche Puckett Mullins. Danita’s love extended deeply to her family. She was a loving “Sissy Nita” to her siblings and their children, including her nephew, John Howard Boothe III “Trey” and his wife Kaitlyn of Spanishburg, WV; her niece, Raquel Smith Large and her husband Mark of Tazewell, VA; her great-nieces, Everleigh Mae Boothe and Lillian Jane Boothe; her great-nephew, Beauen Everett Boothe. She is survived by her uncle, Ralph “Moon” Mullins of Richlands, VA and her aunts Dorothy Boothe Rasnick and Glenna Boothe Myers, both of Tazewell. She also leaves behind countless first cousins, including her first cousin ReaZhonda, who once said Danita would have “fought a bear for her sister and Goony (John Jr.)” A proud 1981 graduate of Tazewell High, Danita had a heart bigger than life itself. Known for her Chef Boyardee pizzas, her obsession with pocketbooks, her lifelong love for Lionel Richie and the Commodores, and that unforgettable Pontiac red Fiero, she filled every room with warmth, humor, and joy. She was a sun-chaser, happiest when floating in Melett’s pool until the last ray of summer sun was gone or lounging on the beach from sunrise to sunset, taking great pride in both her tan and in loving Travis Kelce long before Taylor Swift did. Danita leaves behind her fur baby Gracie, a rescue mutt who is much like Nita, loyal to family and friends and a little temperamental. Her love for animals, especially dogs, was who she was and she was known to greet the family dog before the family. She believed every dog deserved kindness, a family to love, and a place in heaven. It brings us comfort to imagine her now reunited with her beloved Noel and Dobby, tails wagging and hearts full, in a place where every dog is welcome and every soul is met with joy. With a ten-year age gap between her and her sister Melett, Danita wore the badge of “believer in Santa Claus until age 20” with pride. Gift-giving was her love language—always thinking of others and finding joy in bringing happiness to the people she loved. She was a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan like her siblings, and the only person who respected her sister’s firm rule not to call her during a game. One of her favorite trips was to see the Steelers play in 2019 where she was only steps away from her favorite player, Jerome “The Bus” Bettis. She now has the best seat in the house to watch every game and wave that Terrible Towel. Danita’s laughter, her loyalty, her generosity, and her fierce love for her family will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, sunshine, and the kind of love that stays with you always. She was a retired LPN and spent the last few years caring for our mother, oftentimes ignoring her own wellbeing and health. She often joked that they were Mama and Eunice from the “Carol Burnett Show.” Her “endless love” for others made her soul the most beautiful part of her. A special thank you to her friend Vicky Thompson for never giving up on her and being a friend even when Nita Mae wasn’t having it. Tammy Phillips, she enjoyed talking with you more than you will ever know. Thank you for taking care of Mama and Eunice. The family asks that you honor Danita’s memory by playing your favorite Commodores song, taking a long float in the sun, rescuing a dog or two, or simply doing something kind for someone else—just like Danita would. Nita is now “Easy like Sunday morning,” and we will miss her forever. Memorial services for Danita Boothe will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Tazewell, Virginia, with the Rev. Barry Absher officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m on Thursday prior to the memorial service. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Danita "Nita" Mae Boothe

June 6, 1963 - April 13, 2025