Nita Jean Benafield Wilson

  Nita Benafield Wilson, 68, of Lonoke, Arkansas, passed away on August 25, 2026. She was born July 13, 1958, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Charles and Margaret Benafield of Lonoke. Nita was a lifelong resident of Lonoke and a proud graduate of Lonoke High School, Class of 1976. She continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1999, and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2007. Nita dedicated 34 years of her life to public education. Her career included serving students and families through Lonoke Schools, Lonoke County Adult Education, and Jacksonville Middle School. Education was more than a career to Nita—it was a passion and a way she made a lasting difference in the lives of others. In 1979, Nita married the love of her life, Johnie Ray Wilson. They shared many years together until his passing in 2017. Together, they built a family that remained the center of Nita’s heart throughout her life. Nita was passionate about her family and friends, education, the Cottontails, traveling, music and her artwork. She had a gift for making people feel loved and cared for. She was one of the most caring, sweet, kind, and giving people you could ever meet. Her generosity, warmth, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Nita’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Alison Huskey (Tim); Lindsey Smith (Parker); and her grandchildren, Chase Huskey, Brandon Huskey, Chelsie Huskey, Emily Huskey, Peyton Smith, and Camryn Smith. Nita is also survived by her significant other, Art Cole, who over the last 8 years helped each other find joy through travel, food, concerts, and other expeditions. This relationship helped Nita gain a larger family to love and make memories with. Nita had a special relationship with all of Art’s family. She also leaves behind her beloved furry companion, Daisy. Nita is also survived by her sisters, Gayle Hill (Ronnie), Lynda Kinsey, Rita Henard (Randy); and her brother, Danny Benafield (Irella) along with numerous extended family members and dear friends who will miss her dearly. Nita was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Margaret Benafield; her brothers, Larry Holler and Julius Benafield; and her beloved husband, Johnie Ray Wilson. Though Nita’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness for those who loved her, her kindness, generosity, laughter, creativity, and love will live on through the many lives she touched. Her greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, students, and community. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lonoke, Arkansas, with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lonoke First United Methodist Church in Nita’s memory.