Juanita Tharpe Hamlett departed this earthly life on August 1, 2016.  Affectionately known as “Nita,” she was born on October 11, 1934, the eldest daughter of Charlie Marion and Eleanor Tharpe.

Nita served her community in the capacity of mayor of Drakes Branch from 1986-2002 and served on the Town Council from 2002-2014.

Nita was predeceased by her husband, Garland H. Hamlett Sr., her sister Betty Beatty and her parents. She leaves to cherish her memories, her son, Garland Hyde Hamlett Jr. and his wife, Julie of Drakes Branch, her daughters, Rhita H. Rheebals and her husband, Donnie of Appomattox and Gwendolyn H. Pillow of Phenix. She had five grandchildren, Tiffany H. Russell (Chris), Jennifer P. Richardson (Davey), Susan C. Zill (Pat), Garland H. Hamlett III (Emily) and Jeffery Pillow (Allison). She had eight great-grandchildren, Cassidy Russell, Raegan Russell, Sidney Hamlett, Garland “Hyde” Hamlett IV, Annabelle Pillow, Rutherfoord Hamlett, Henry Pillow and Bentley Richardson. She is also survived by her sister, Becky Lenhart and husband Blaine of Richmond, William Leslie Beatty, brother in law, four nephews and one niece.

Visitation will be at Browning Funeral Home in Keysville on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and at other times at the home of Butch and Julie Hamlett. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Browning Funeral Home with internment in the Drakes Branch Presbyterian cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Barksdale Foundation POB 225 Charlotte C.H., VA or the Alzheimer’s Association 6350 Center Drive Suite 102 Norfolk, VA 23502.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of the arrangements.