04/22/1935 – 04/26/2026
Anita Mills Guthrie (“Nita”) was born on April 22, 1935, in Mobile, Alabama. Nita was the daughter of Harry Toulmin Mills and Martha Rebecca Collins Mills. She spent her early years in Mobile before moving to Birmingham during high school, where she attended Shades Valley High School and was a cheerleader.
She went on to attend Auburn University (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute), where she was an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Nita then moved to Tampa, Florida, where she worked for Tampa Electric and met her husband. They had three daughters.
The family later settled in Winter Park, Florida where Nita built a successful career in real estate and co-owned a prestigious children’s clothing boutique. In 1988, she returned to Alabama and reopened Martha’s Vineyard in Opelika—a beloved shop originally founded by her mother in 1968.
Nita’s store was more than a place of business; it was a gathering space filled with warmth, beauty, and creativity. She helped many brides who still remember her to this day, and helped decorate many beautiful homes in the area—many still remember her touch and kindness today.
Nita was known for her openness, generosity of spirit, and the gift of never meeting a stranger. Locals often shopped or stopped by just to visit, knowing they would leave feeling better—it was an experience to know her.
A 30-year breast cancer survivor, Nita faced her illness with remarkable strength and unwavering faith. When cancer returned 15 months ago, she fought again with grace and determination. Cancer did not win—it was simply time for her journey here to come to a close.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Kathryn
Guthrie, Kellie Guthrie, and Kerry Guthrie Ledbetter (Carleton); and her cherished grandchildren,
Jackson Ledbetter, Walker Ledbetter, and Rebekah-Grace Guthrie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Frederick-Dean Funeral
Home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to celebrate Nita’s life by spending time with loved ones or performing acts of kindness.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
