PORT GIBSON  — Bernita Mae “Nita” Starnes Loper, 89, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at Promise Hospital.

Nita lived in Port Gibson after residing in Loveland, Colo., and Cheyenne, Wyo. 

She was born in Homer, La., on Jan. 27, 1920, to Sam and Ollie Mae Thetford Starnes. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in 1943 and served as a nurse helping others for 43 years.

Nita is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, John S. Loper of Port Gibson; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Patricia Loper of Loveland and Patrick and Christi Loper of Cheyenne; three grandchildren, Tracey Loper of Arvada, Colo., Brad Loper of Fort Collins, Colo., and Jon Loper of Cheyenne; two stepgranddaughters, Melissa Bacon of Little Rock and Jenna Oberlie of Denver; three stepgreat-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Selden of Port Gibson; one brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Elise Starnes of Pattison; and numerous caring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Ollie Mae Thetford Starnes; one sister, Pauline Horn; and four brothers, Bernice, Dewitt, Donald Ray and Billy Joe Starnes.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Shelton Cemetery with a potluck   luncheon to follow at Brandywine Methodist Church. 

Her family requests that memorial donations be made to the Brandywine Methodist Church, 25105 Highway 547, Pattison, MS 39144 or Shelton Cemetery, 11154 Highway 28, Hazlehurst, MS 39083.

Nita will be missed by all that knew her for her kind words and sweet smile.