Arnita Gresham

Arnita “Nia” Lavelle Gresham, born January 12, 1964 in Cuthbert, Georgia. She transitioned on April 26, 2026.

Nita was born to Frank D. Gresham Sr. of Hartford, Ct. and the late Rose Marie Holley Gresham of Cuthbert, Ga. Arnita was a faithful member of Mitchell Grove Baptist Church. In 1977 Arnita was baptized and sang in the choir since her youth. She graduated from Randolph-Clay High School in 1981, and studied cosmetology at Wallace Community College in Eufaula, Alabama.

For over twenty years, Nita worked as a beautician and stylist from home. That chair wasn’t just for hair - it was for truth, laughter, and getting your whole life together whether you asked for it or not.

Nita was talented and funny. She said what she said and somehow you still loved her for it. She fought real battles and won real victories. She overcame addiction and remained clean until her death. She survived two strokes and still kept her humor, her voice and her fire, That’s Nita

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her father, Frank D. Gresham Sr. Hartford, CT; Her children, Ashonta Gresham of Villa Rica, GA and Gavin Tillman Bainbridge, GA; Her grandchildren, Tyler Gresham, John Johnson III and Ashonta Johnson; Her siblings, Holly L. Gresham Cuthbert, GA., Phyllis Gresham, Waynette Arnum, Lydia Pierce, Brandy Gresham, Brittany Gresaham Hartford, CT and Brian Bibbins Douglasville, GA; Her nieces and nephews: Monica Mallory, Alice Gresham, Sharae Gresham and many more; Her aunts: Catherine Crowell and Deborah Darby and a host of family, friends, and clients who knew her as Nita.

She was preceded in death by her mother Rose Marie Holley Gresham; brothers Frank D. Gresahm III and Wallace Hightower.

Nita had a motherly spirit, she loved her family. She was a patient caregiver and would give you the shirt off her back. Nita did not live a perfect life, but we love and will miss her dearly.

Her legacy is strength, laughter and truth.