Nita Gunnells

Nita Paul Gunnells, 71, of Ila, Georgia, passed away on March 20, 2026.

Nita spent her early years in Carlton, Georgia, and often spoke fondly of the time she shared with her parents, Aunt Gladys, Uncle Howell, and many other loving relatives and friends growing up. She was a graduate of Madison County High School, where she met the love of her life, Johnny Gunnells, in geometry class. The two were married in 1973 and shared a devoted and enduring love for 55 years. Nita attended Emmanuel College and began her career at the University of Georgia working at the Library and then the Georgia Center for continuing education. She later worked alongside her husband at Gunnells Construction from 1978 until her passing.

A devoted and loving mother, Nita cherished the years she spent raising her two children, Julie and J.J. She beamed with pride when she spoke about the people they grew to be. She was also a deeply involved and adoring grandmother who found great joy in time spent with her granddaughters: cooking for them, playing with them, and being a steady, loving presence in their lives. She enjoyed attending Georgia football games, rides on her John Deere Gator around the family farm with Johnny and gathering with her family whenever she could. Nita will be remembered for her bright, welcoming personality; she truly never met a stranger, and for the genuine warmth she brought to everyone she met. Nita was a dependable friend and a source of encouragement for so many. Above all, her family will cherish the time they had with her and the love she gave so freely.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Albert “Pat” Paul and Julia Johnson Paul of Carlton, Georgia.

Nita is survived by her husband of 53 years, Johnny Gunnells; her daughter, Julie Gunnells Ledford (Adam); her son, J.J. Gunnells (Trista); her three beloved granddaughters, Brooklyn Gunnells (15), Elle Ledford (14), and Nora Gunnells (10); her sister, Delphine Paul Kay, and her many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 am at Union Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Lord and Stephens, Danielsville is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com