Anita J. James

Anita Johnson James, affectionately known as “Lil Nita” was born on September 4, 1953, to Joseph L. Johnson I and Mildred Christopher Johnson in the New Berlin community on the northside of Jacksonville, Florida.

Anita wasn’t just a person; she was a force of nature. From the moment you met her, you knew she was different. Whether it was her quick wit, her ability to instantly connect with people, or her endless compassion for others, she was always making an impression. Her heart was to leave people better than she found them, even when it came at great personal sacrifice. To say that her language and her personality was colorful, would be an understatement.

Anita attended Andrew Jackson Senior High School where she excelled at both academics and sports. She was a standout Lady Tigers Basketball player and was even voted Most Athletic by her classmates in the Jackson Class of 1971. She continued her education at FAMU in Tallahassee and later at Florida Junior College at Jacksonville. 

Anita’s career spanned thirty-plus years before officially retiring for health reasons. She worked at Sears & Roebuck, McDonalds, Lowes, Hardees, the Office of State Representative Betty Holzendorf, and the Dental Practice of Dr. Chester Aikens. For her sons, she served on the PTA at every one of their schools. She was a homeroom mom. She was their t-ball and baseball team mom. She never missed an opportunity to see her boy’s play. She joined school booster associations to raise money for the marching band and chaperoned trips and games. And her presence was always impactful. 

Out of a heart overflowing with love and regard for others, at an early age, Anita got involved in community affairs. During the Civil Rights Movement, desegregation, and integration; she participated in sit-ins, organized protests and school walkouts, and lent her voice to the fight for justice and equal treatment of the African American community. These experiences laid the foundation for her leadership of the Northside Civic Association, serving on the City Council and Mayoral campaigns of Monty Daly, Joe Forshee, and Ed Austin. Not to rest on her laurels, she campaigned for the vacated Florida State Representative seat of Betty Holzendorf. Despite not being elected, Anita continued to lock arms with community and civic leaders to improve Greater Jacksonville. She was outspoken and forthright in the stands she took for what she believed was right. 

Anita was Nanny to some, mother-figure to many, and giver to all. Growing up, Anita’s aunt, Altamese Dorsey, was a caregiver to many of the family and neighborhood children. She was affectionately referred to as “Nanny”. This inspired Anita to adopt the “Nanny” moniker for her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and community youth. Her home was the center of universe for her boys, their cousins, schoolmates, and neighborhood friends. Her doors were open 24/7/365 for those that needed a meal, a sofa to crash on, an environment of love, or just some place to have a good time. No one was unwelcome. No one was to be treated as if they were a lost cause. She would stop at nothing to make room for anyone facing challenge or in desperate need of a place to heal.

One of a few things she loved doing most was doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the joy of her life, and she beamed with pride when she talked about them. 

Anita was very devout in her belief of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She often talked about how great and mighty her God is. She loved to pray. She loved praise and worship music. She trusted that God would do what only he could. Even with all her health challenges and life struggles, she never waned in her trust of God being her savior and redeemer. 

In her later years, Anita took up residence with her sister, Cheryl Johnson, who made room for her the very same Anita did for so many others. They weren’t just sisters; they were the best of friends. Chery’s house became the gathering place for family functions and a time would be had with every occasion. Anita also shared an unbreakable bond with her brothers, Tim, Jody, and Rodney.

Anita was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph L. Johnson I and Mildred C. Johnson. Anita leaves behind to cherish her legacy and memories, her sons, Joseph W. Thompson (Dorothy) and Royce L. Thompson II (Jimminda); grandchildren, Alexis Andrews (Marcus), Auriel Thompson, Malik Thompson, Christopher Mitchell, Carlina Burroughs, Emma Gordineer, Megan Marie Jones, Kylah Thompson, Kennedy Thompson, and Royce L. Thompson III “Kicker”; great grandchildren, Mark “Henry” Andrews, Ah’Briya Andrews, Mackenzie Andrews, Caidyn Burroughs, Kameron Burroughs, Christian Burroughs, and A’Blessyn Wiley; siblings, Joseph L. Johnson II, Cheryl Johnson, Rodney Dunston (Valerie), Christopher J. Johnson Sr. (Vernita), and Shelia Jacko Carr; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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