Anita Kathleen Wharton

Wharton, Anita Kathleen Reily , age 75, went into the loving arms of her Savior on October 7, 2024. Anita was born in Dallas, TX on January 13, 1949, and was the daughter of the late, Bud and Paulita Reily. After she graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in education, Anita and her husband Don traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Europe before settling in Lubbock, TX. It was there that Anita began serving others through foster parenting. Over the years she and Don were foster parents to 11 children. Their daughter, Trina and her husband, Josh continue that legacy still today. Anita was a longtime member of first Baptist Church of Mt. Juliet and taught children’s Sunday School for over 30 years. She enjoyed leading the children in music and often taught “object lessons” by performing character sketches, portraying Bible characters and famous missionaries. In her later years, she devoted herself to the full-time care of her father until his death. Anita loved the beauty of God’s creations and enjoyed collecting and caring for a colorful variety of fish, birds and flowers. As a lifelong student of the Bible, Anita often shared the message of the Gospel with her family, church children, friends and neighbors. She kept a Bible by the front door of the house so as to be ready to share a word of encouragement to a visitor in need of a blessing. Her family and friends will be forever blessed by Anita’s loving spirit and example of Christian service.

Anita is survived by:

Husband of 54 years – Don Wharton

Brother – Bill Reily

Daughter and Son-in-law – Trina and Josh Hildabrand

Grandchildren – Abi Hildabrand, Gabe Hildabrand, Isabella Hildabrand and Aulani Hildabrand

Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens with Pastor Andrew Wharton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Gideons International.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, 1098 Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN.     (615) 773-2663, www.bondmemorial.com