Nita Aderholt

Nita Aderholt, 76, of Pampa, passed away on July 28, 2026 in Pampa.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, and her son, Dr. Mark Aderholt officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Nita was born on August 16, 1949, in Borger to Cody and Ethel Gilliland. She graduated from Sanford-Fritch High School in 1967 where she was crowned Miss Sanford-Fritch High School during her senior year. After high school, Nita earned her associate's degree from Frank Phillips College in 1969. On April 26, 1969, she married the love of her life, Pat Aderholt. They were married in Borger and celebrated 57 years of marriage.

After they married, they lived in Canyon before moving to Amarillo in 1972. While in Amarillo, she attended and was very involved in South Georgia Baptist Church. In 1974, they moved to Pampa and that is where they made their lifelong home.

Nita had a special gift for loving and nurturing children. She taught fifth grade at St. Vincent de Paul School for several years and also spent time teaching at First Baptist Church Child Development Center (CDC). In 1989, she accepted the role of temporary director of the CDC. What began as a short-term position turned into a lifelong calling, and after faithfully serving for 15 years, she retired in 2004. To generations of children and families, she was simply known as "Ms. Nita," a title she wore with great joy and love.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church, Nita lived out her faith through service to others. She was a dedicated prayer warrior who never hesitated to begin a prayer chain for anyone in need. She was actively involved in the Women's Missionary Union (WMU), taught Girls in Action (GA's), volunteered with Vacation Bible School, and served as a camp director at Panfork Baptist Encampment, where she made a lasting impact on countless young lives.

When she wasn't caring for children or serving her church, Nita enjoyed spending time with friends playing Canasta. She belonged to several Canasta groups and was also a cherished member of the Birthday Club. Above all, Nita found her greatest joy in serving others, sharing her faith, and investing in the lives of children, leaving a legacy of kindness, compassion, and unwavering love that will be remembered for generations.

Nita was strong in her faith and was an outstanding wife, mother, and grandma (affectionately referred to as “Mawmaw”). Family was everything to her. She had a kind spirit and truly cared for others. Nita loved to talk, but she also was a good listener. She made lifelong friendships with so many. Nita loved to laugh and always brought so much joy to people.

She was preceded in death by both her parents Cody (in 1989) and Ethel (in 2019).

Survivors include her husband, Pat Aderholt; children, Dr. Mark Aderholt and wife Kristie of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jill White and husband Mike of Arlington; and Becky Snelgrooes and husband Kaleb of Pampa; grandchildren, Michael White and wife Maria, Lacey White, Lexie White, Hannah Aderholt, Cody Aderholt and wife Lily, Ryan Aderholt, Kamden Snelgrooes, and Kutter Snelgrooes; and a great grandchild on the way; and her sister, Nancy Rice and husband Emmett of Amarillo.

Memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church of Pampa.