Nita Grace Kelley Carroll, 94, of Cleburne, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. She was born on May 28, 1932, in Amarillo, Texas, to Winnie Izola Golightly Kelley and Cecil Warden Kelley and was the youngest of their three children.

Growing up in Amarillo, Nita developed the strong work ethic, musical gifts, and joyful spirit that would characterize her throughout her life. She attended Horace Mann School, graduated from Amarillo High School in 1950, and studied a year at Amarillo Junior College. A gifted musician, she studied piano and pedal organ, played the viola, and earned a place in the UIL State Orchestra. By the age of 12, she had already begun working, holding several jobs before becoming a secretary at the Pantex Ordnance Plant.

It was at Pantex that Nita met a young engineer named Floyd Jewel Carroll. What began with a first date to a company picnic blossomed into a whirlwind romance, and the two were married on October 19, 1951. Together they built a life marked by love, adventure, and unwavering commitment to one another for 65 years.

As Floyd's engineering career led them across Texas and Louisiana, Nita embraced each new chapter with resilience and grace. During the first two years of their marriage, they moved 13 times before eventually making Cleburne the place they proudly called home. There they raised their family, built lifelong friendships, and became deeply rooted in the community. Nita designed two family homes in Cleburne, the second one being their home for the last 60 years. Nita loved to host friends and family in their home. She had a remarkable gift for making every person feel welcome.

Nita's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She also found joy in music, playing in the handbell choir at First United Methodist Church, spending time with friends around the bridge table, golfing, and traveling the world.

In 1973, she began a successful career in real estate, eventually becoming a broker and owning her own company-a testament to her determination, independence, and love of serving people.

Nita loved serving the community. A faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Cleburne, she was a longtime member of the Altar Guild. She also gave generously of her time through the International Order of the Kings Daughters and Sons, the Heritage Foundation, Meals on Wheels and the Golden Pride Band Boosters.

Whether serving her church, supporting local schools, encouraging friends, or caring for her family, Nita led by example. She was a servant-leader whose kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others left a lasting mark on her community.

Nita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Floyd Jewel Carroll; her parents; her brother Cecil Warden "C.W." Kelley Jr. (Francis); her sister Winona Kelley Smith (O.B., Jr.); and her son, Floyd J. "Butch" Carroll, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Ware and husband Bill; her son, Robert Carroll and wife Kim; grandchildren Kyle Ware (Courtney), Katy Haislet (John), Trey Carroll, Grayden Carroll (Amanda), Ellie Bouchard (Austin), and Jake Carroll; and eight treasured great-grandchildren.

Nita lived with grace, worked with determination, and left behind a legacy of love that will continue to bless generations to come.

A Service of Worship Celebrating the Life of Nita Kelley Carroll will be held at 11am on July 22, 2026 at First United Methodist Church of Cleburne, with a visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nita's memory to:

First United Methodist Church

1300 Westhill Dr.

Cleburne, TX 76033