Anita Brace

On August 2, 1948, Anita was born in Binger, Oklahoma, with a heart three sizes too big. She brought a mountain of joy to her parents, Inez (Griffith) and Joe Turner, and her three big sisters: Shirley, Evelyn, and Janice. In 1971, she decided to share her heart with James Brace of Dalhart, Texas, and they were married on November 20 of that year. She went on to lavish love on eight babies of her own, on nieces and nephews, and on any neighborhood kid within reach. Her love involved food, which meant kitchen tables packed tight with family and friends, children shucking corn at FFEs (Fun Family Events), and people fellowshipping at the church to the sound of her legendary laugh.

She was a devoted follower of Jesus and a savvy woman. If you were in need, she could find you food, clothes, shelter, and hope through her job at the Department of Health and Human Services in Dalhart and her churches: the Lincoln Street Baptist Church in Dalhart and the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Nebraska. On August 3, she passed into the next life – her heart having touched so many that her love will echo for generations.

Anita is survived by her husband, James; her children, Jason Brace, Jennifer Estrada (Chris), Clinton Brace, Douglas Brace, Alexander Brace, Rebekah Bohlender (Skyler), and Sean Brace; her grandchildren, Kaleb, Perry, Collin, Jayne, Vonnegut, Frances, Anna, Emma, Arra, and Kane; and her sister, Jan Boatman.

Anita was preceded in death by her daughter, Katherine Coleen Brace; her parents; her sisters, Shirley Keel and Evelyn Merrill; and her beloved nephew, Billy Keel and niece, Marlo Patterson.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 8, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Larry Alton officiating. Viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Dalhart Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dalhart Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lincoln Street Baptist Church or to their food pantry at P.O. Box 669, Dalhart, TX 79022.