NITA ELISE PERIGO CHAMBLESS
Nita Elise Perigo Chambless, age 81, of Cumming, Georgia was called home to Heaven Monday, November 15, 2021.
The family will be receiving visitors 10- 11am followed by a memorial service at 11am, Monday, November 22 at Cumming First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow on Monday, December 6 at 1:30pm in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
Nita is survived by her children Martha and David Joyce, of Powder Springs, Georgia; Ben Petree, of Atlanta, Georgia; Jack and Diane Petree, of Katy, Texas; step-children Robert and Jennifer Chambless, of Toccoa, Georgia; Becky and Mark Elliott, of Clarkesville, Georgia; 10 grandchildren: Hunter Joyce (Elizabeth), Elise Joyce, Benjamin Petree, Kathryn and Sarah Petree, Jonathon and Jessica Chambless, Austin, Carson and Sari Elliott, and 3 great grandchildren: Britain and Brooklyn Chambless, Jayden Chambless-Rucker.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Dr. Harris Edward Petree, and the absolute love of her life, second husband Joseph Dale Chambless, her parents Loyd Earnest and Bess Gaye Price Perigo, and great-grandson Ayden Chambless-Rucker.
Nita graduated from Logansport High School, Louisiana, Class of 1957, was an alumnus of Louisiana Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and she held a Masters of Education from Brenau University and a Reading Recovery Certificate from Georgia State University. It was her joy to teach children to read in Kindergarten and First Grade classes at Lilburn Elementary School.
She was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith. Her joy in her Lord Jesus and contagious smile were always on display in such beautiful ways. Her selfless attention to the needs of others was an inspiration, as she loved well and was loved well in return. She was a member of Cumming First United Methodist Church where she was a frequent teacher in the Circle of Friends Sunday School class, enjoyed studying and discussing with her Tuesday Ladies Bible study and Books with Bowen, and also served many years with the Altar Guild.
Nita served on the Executive Board and was a very active member of the Greater Atlanta Day Aluminae chapter of Kappa Delta sorority.
She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Oranization for Women Educators. She served the Georgia Delta Chapter as program chair and was active in scholarship fundraising.
Nita loved her constant companions, a Yorkie named Molly and an Australian Shepherd named Penny. Nita and Penny were certified to serve with Humane Hearts Pet Therapy Program of Forsyth County. Over the years, she and Penny volunteered at many schools and with children at local libraries with “Paws” To Read.
She loved her big extended family so well, planning many family gatherings and memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Beach trips to St. George Island, FL were the highlight of her summers, with the “pups and people she loved so much”.
The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to all for the outpouring of love and sympathy. We look forward to visiting with each of you during her celebration of life service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to:
Angels Among Us angelsrescue.org ADK GA Delta Chapter Scholarship Fund 2747 Executive Ct. Buford, GA 30519 Alzheimers Association Alz.org
