Nita Marie (Bentley) Bowers

Nita Marie Bentley Bowers, 84, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on February 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, March 22, at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Appleby, Texas.

Nita was born on September 30, 1941, in Nacogdoches to Allen W. and Elsie M. Bentley. She grew up in Nacogdoches and graduated from Woden High School in 1958.  In 1960, Nita married Jesse R. Bowers, and she dedicated her early years to raising their two daughters, Kelly Rene and Melissa Marie.

In 1995, she began her career with the Nacogdoches Independent School District, working in the NISD Infant Care Center where she cared for children with compassion and dedication. After the center closed, she transferred to Thomas J. Rusk Middle School as a teacher’s aide, a role she served faithfully until her retirement in 2020.

Even in retirement, nurturing others remained her calling. Nita continued to support families by offering companionship and care to aging loved ones within the community. A devoted and longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in Appleby, Nita lived her faith daily. She loved the Lord with all her heart and is now at peace in His eternal presence.

Nita is survived by her daughters: Kelly Bowers Flores and husband Robert A. Flores, and Melissa Bowers Rector and husband Jeffrey G. Rector; grandchildren Michael Andrew Flores and wife Rebecca D. Flores, Blake A. Flores and wife Brantley S. Flores, Ryan E. Rector, and Zachary B. Rector; great‑grandchildren Blair Deann Flores, Dean Anthony Flores, and Leon Arthur Flores; sister Sherry Hale and brother Dan Bentley and wife, Susan.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Allen W. and Elsie M. Bentley, and her brother‑in‑law Jerome Bonner Hale.

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