Funeral services for Anita Kay Stripling, 81, were held on October 29, at County Line Baptist Church. Interment followed at Miller Grove Cemetery.
Ms. Stripling died on October 18, 2026. She was born on June 29, 1945 in Greenville, to James Wesley Stripling and Geneva Faye Stripling (Garmon).
Mrs. Stripling was a teacher for 24 years before retiring from Quinlan ISD. She attended East Texas, North Texas and Mountainview Colleges. She acquired a bachelor’s degree in education and floral design as well as a master’s degree in writing thesis. Teaching was not simply a profession for her, but a calling at the very center of her life. She taught ESL in schools and at churches, sharing her knowledge with patience, care, and a genuine desire to help others grow.
She found joy in genealogy, painting, and playing the piano. She was a member of DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution, Brig. General Edward Bulkley Chapter of Greenville, Texas. She owned a clothing and antique store in Sulphur Springs.
Mrs. Stripling is survived by her sister, Jeanetta Smith; brother, James Richard Stripling and Sandy; nieces and nephews, Austin Lee Smith and Whitney, Kimberly Hollar and Ron and M.W. Stripling and Michelle; great nieces and nephews, Hayden Hollar and Ajla, Brady Hollar and McKenzie, Wesley Hollar and Sydney, Jacob Stripling, Kaitlyn Stripling, Audrey Smith and Payton Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Sterling Smith.