Reita Mae Stansell

Reita Mae Stansell, age 99, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025. Born on February 20, 1926, to the late Charles Womack Mitchell and Henrietta Ratterman Mitchell, Reita grew up alongside her brother, Charles William Mitchell, in humble circumstances that instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for hard work, generosity, and life’s simple pleasures.

A certified master gardener, Reita found joy in working outdoors, tending to her gardens, raising chickens, and caring for wildlife—especially hummingbirds. She loved cats and often had several companions at her side. Long before environmental consciousness became mainstream, Reita was committed to recycling and took pride in how little waste left her home each week.

Reita enjoyed camping, particularly at Fall Creek Falls, and embraced travel later in life. At family gatherings, she was celebrated for her famous “Reita Rolls,” blueberry muffins, and country ham. She also cherished the simple comforts of life—especially a roaring fireplace and an afternoon cup of coffee spent sitting and talking with friends and family.

Though she never had the opportunity to attend college, Reita worked diligently at two jobs—Castner Knott and the State of Tennessee—retiring from both. A devoted member of the Presbyterian church, she lived her faith through generosity, gifting homes to long-term renters and helping numerous young women achieve their dream of a college education.

Reita was preceded in death by her husbands, Allen Womack, Robert Sullivan, and James N. “Jake” Stansell; her brother, Charles William Mitchell; and her half-sister, Martha Ann “M.A.” Ratterman. She is survived by her nephew, LTC (Ret.) Charles S. Mitchell (Shannon) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and their children Nathan and William; and her niece, Reita A. Martin (Edward) of Millville, New Jersey, and their children Daniel, Joshua, and Jacob.

In accordance with her wishes, Reita will be cremated. A memorial service for close family and friends will be held at a later date.