Juanita Gay "Nita" Echols

1936 - 2025

Juanita "Nita" Gay Echols

May 2, 1936 - July 19, 2025

Juanita "Nita" Gay Echols of Vinton, Va., died on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 89.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney Elford Gay and Naomi Woodroof Gay of Gaston, N.C., brothers, Sidney Fran Gay of Woodbridge, Va,. and Nathan Henry Gay of Clinton, N.C..

Survivors include daughter, Suzanne Echols Schupp and husband, Joseph Alan Schupp, of Oriental, N.C.; son, James Lawrence Echols Jr. and wife, Dr. Sonya Ranson Echols, of Short Pump, Va.; and former husband, James Lawrence Echols of Vinton, Va.

Surviving grandchildren, Evan Michael Richardson (Amanda), Whitney Marie Hubbard (Curt), Joseph Alan Schupp Jr., Dr. Lauren Elizabeth Echols, Allyson James Echols, Sarah Schupp and Natalie Seyle.

Surviving great-grandchildren, Shea Belle Hubbard, Noah Peery Richardson and Lyla Grace Richardson; sister-in-law, Faye Warren Gay; two nieces; one nephew; and one great-nephew.

Nita began her newspaper career at the Roanoke Rapids (NC) Daily Herald. She continued at the Covington Virginian, served as general manager of the Richardson (TX) Times and general manager of the Howe (TX) Enterprise and retired as general manager of The Vinton Messenger. Over the course of her career, Nita was recognized numerous times for outstanding work by the Texas and Virginia Press Associations.

Following her retirement, Nita served as southwest Virginia volunteer coordinator for the Gubernatorial campaign of Mark Warner. She also served as the legislative assistant to the Virginia House Majority Leader C. Richard Cranwell. Upon her final retirement, she served as receptionist at the law firm of Cranwell, Moore and Emick PLC.

She was a member of Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church. Nita served as the first female president of The Vinton Dogwood Festival, was a former member of the Town of Vinton Fair Housing Board and was active in other civic organizations. In 1982, she was presented with a life membership to the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers Association. She attended the University of Tennessee/Knoxville.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for the compassionate care given to Nita.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in the main sanctuary of Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, 707 Washington Ave., Vinton, Va., with The Reverend John Hemming officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. Interment will follow at the Thrasher UMC Columbarium. Immediately following, the family would like to invite friends to a reception in the George Wesley Jones Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of food and flowers, please consider a donation to Wednesday Dinners at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, a program created to feed local citizens in need of a hot meal at no cost. Donations may be made to Thrasher UMC, 707 East Washington Ave., Vinton, VA 24179. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - Vinton Chapel

Vinton, VA (540) 982-2221