Anita McLearen

Anita McLearen, 72 of Oglesby, also known as “Nene,” passed over to Heaven on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Oglesby, with Bro. Aaron Tyler officiating.  Interment will follow at Post Oak Cemetery in Oglesby.

Georgia Anita McLearen was born on February 1, 1950 in Gatesville, to the loving parents of the late Irvin and Loveda Riddle Jackson.  Anita, her parents, and sisters spent their early years living on the family farm in the Leon Junction community. Prior to her school years, the family moved to the town of Oglesby. She attended Oglesby Independent School District where she met the love of her life, Kenneth McLearen. On September 10, 1966 Anita and Kenneth were married. They were married for 56 years, raising three children and being blessed with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Gatesville. After her retirement, she was employed by Trane in McGregor, where she worked for several years. Later, her love for children led her to a different career and she became employed by the Oglesby Independent School District, where she served children for many years and this was the most favorite time in her career.

Anita served her community as a Emergency Medical Technician for the McGregor Volunteer Emergency Medical Service and was a member of the Oglesby Volunteer Fire Department.  Following in the steps of her mother, she became a member of the Order of Eastern Star in McGregor and served as Worthy Matron. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oglesby.  Anita loved all people that she encountered and her smile and laughter was contagious. Her home was always a welcoming place for her family, friends, and her children’s friend’s. Anita loved her family fiercely and they were the meaning of life to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Dorothy Rhodes; father-in-law, Frank Rhodes; sister-in-law, Jeanette Rhodes; granddaughter, Kayla Beth; nephews, Aaron Brady Gomez and Bobby Collins.

Anita is survived by her loving family, husband, Kenneth McLearen; children, Curtis McLearen and wife, Kim of Gatesville, Sheila McClinton and husband, Randy of Oglesby,  Paula Bodnar of Keller; grandchildren, Kristin Coleman and husband, Leslie, Dustin McLearen, Kaitlyn McLearen, Ryan McClinton and fiancé, Dominique, Claire Bodnar; great grandchildren, Max, Kye, Jasey, Barrett, Oliver; sisters, Frances Wehrmann and husband, Roger, Brenda Jackson, Janette Dawson and husband, Johnnie, sister-in-law, Diane Gomez; brother-in-law, Rick Rhodes; nephews, Lonnie Collins, Paul Gomez, David Collins, Brandon Gomez, William Dawson, Andy Gomez, Nick Gomez; nieces, Chrissie Rhodes, Stefanie Gomez; several great nephews & nieces; and her fur baby, Paisley.  She is also survived by her extended family, the children she cared for in her home and loved as her own, Kreece Castro, Brody Martinez, Briley Martinez, Maya Martinez, and Ana Spark.

John 11:25-26. Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never never die.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to First Baptist Church of Oglesby, 120 College Ave., Oglesby, TX 76561 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate.