Nita Fanning

Nita Carol Kissel Fanning, 61, went to be with the Lord from her home in Woodway on August 21, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. this Tuesday, August 25th at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8820 Woodway Drive in Waco. Friends are invited to visit with the family at Grace Gardens prior to the service, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Nita was born on November 11, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to Pat and Dorris Kissel. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and was active in the Chapel Choir at First Baptist Church of Dallas; of which she considered herself a life-long member and visited often. She attended Baylor University on merit scholarships and finished her undergraduate degree in the spring of 1976. In 1978, Nita graduated from Baylor Law School and went on to practice general and family law in Waco through her private practice and her work with Legal Aid.

Early in her career, Nita was active in the Junior League of Waco, and enjoyed playing tennis with friends and taking road trips with her children. She remained a lifelong member of the alumnae chapter of her Baylor sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Nita was a member of Dayspring Baptist Church and had served on the building, finance and fellowship committees. Most recently, she enjoyed teaching children's Sunday School at Fellowship Bible Church in McGregor.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Dorris Kissel. She is survived by her brother, Andrew P. Kissel, of Dallas, as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Connie Kissel Schroeder and husband Phil of Garland, and their children, David, Jonathan and Jonathon’s wife, Tina. Also surviving Nita are her children, Aaron Fanning, his wife, Nicole, and their two children, Campbell Taylor and Charlie Tate of Woodway, Bret Fanning of Austin, and Arden Fanning of New York City.

Nita enjoyed every moment she shared with her friends and family. She always made her home available and kept her heart open to all. Known for her big smile, sunny spirit, and deep appreciation for parades, she always had a kind word to share. Nita’s unconditional love for her children was a hallmark of her life and she often mentioned that her grandchildren made her feel complete. Those closest to Nita find comfort in knowing that the Lord greeted her with, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

The family suggests memorials be made to a charity that Nita often supported, Compassion Ministries, 1421 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701.