Francis Anita Morrison Ballard, 73

February 10, 1952 – May 21, 2025

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1

After a life fully dedicated to the service of others, it is with great sadness, but even greater joy knowing that our beloved mother, devoted friend, and sister in Christ, Mrs. Francis Anita Ballard, has been healed from all her earthly pains and was welcomed into her Heavenly Home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her husband who she had long to see, Mr. Sammy, as she departed this life Wednesday May 21, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Mississippi.

Funeral Services honoring Mrs. Anita’s life will be at 11 AM Saturday May 24, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with her first cousin, Bro. Terry Ray Vuncannon officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Friday Evening May 23, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home and will continue from 9 AM until time of service on Saturday. Burial will follow in the Tippah Memorial Gardens.

Born February 10, 1952, in Boonville, Mississippi, Mrs. Anita was the daughter of the late Vertis A. and Willard Inez Holland Ballard. She was a High School graduate, before furthering her education, and gaining a college degree in Nursing. On December 20, 1969, she married her beloved husband, Mr. Sammy H. Ballard, were they built their home in the Tippah County Community, raising there only son, Sammy Jason Ballard. A true believer in the philosophy, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”, Mrs. Anita’s dedication to the Tippah County Hospital for over thirty years, lead her to great success, as she devoted her life being an aid to the sick, and caring for those in need. Her devotion did not just stop for the patients she served; it went way further than that. Weather it was a piece of advice to uplift the spirits of someone else, wisdom passed along to the younger generation she worked with, or even letting the new employees know the best place to stand during a smoke break, so you wouldn’t be seen, Mrs. Anita served as a mentor to so many. She definitely served the medical field well, and it’s through her devotion for helping others, guidance and willingness to fill in when needed, and service to our community, that is one of the contributing factors in what makes our small-town hospital so special for so many.

A saved Christian and member of North Ripley Baptist Church, Mrs. Anita was a kind soul, captivating the hearts of many with her caring demeanor and engaging conversations. She just had a natural love for people, lighting up any room she was in, never meeting a stranger or missing the opportunity to socialize with others. If there was ever a family function or large gathering taken place, you could always bet Mrs. Anita would be there, front and center, being the life of the party. She loved good music, dancing, playing cards, reading various books, camping, and being an active part of the VFW. She was defiantly the heart of her home, as there wasn’t anything she would not do for her son, Jason, or her husband, Mr. Sammy. Jason has many wonderful memories of his sweet mother, describing her as a lady constantly on the move, always working the 3rd shift. One of his fondest memories is how one day after 3rd shift at the hospital, Mrs. Anita took a phone call from a salesman, and being so tired, didn’t realize she had ordered 1,200 dollars’ worth of vitamins, until they were delivered to their home about two weeks later, and Mr. Sammy just happened to be the lucky fella, there to receive the package. Needless to say, she was never allowed to talk on the phone after a long 3rd shift from that point on.

Many words could be used to describe Mrs. Anita. Selfless. Kind. Caring. Compassionate. Outgoing. Helpfull. Loving. But the greatest word to describe her of all would be faithful. She was faithful to her career, earning the trust and respect of many during her time at the Tippah County Hospital. She was faithful to her family, devoted to being a wonderful wife to Mr. Sammy, and dedicated mother to Jason, trying her best to provide him with the best life possible. Lastly, she was faithful to her Lord, Jesus Christ. She never once lost sight in all of his promises, always thankful what he blessed her with. DL Moody once said, “If you hear that I’ve died, don’t believe it for a minute, for I’ll be more alive than I’ve ever been.” The world will never be the same without her here, but what a wonderful thought it is knowing our dear Anita or Nee Nee to some, is more alive than she has ever been today, feasting at the Lords table, and rejoicing with all those gone on before her.

Those left to carry on her legacy include her son, Sammy Jason Ballard (Amanda), one sister, Janet Juanita Hogue, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Waiting there to greet her into her eternal home were parents, one sister, Jamie, her husband, Mr. Sammy, and although I’m sure she wasn’t very thrilled to see him, Mr. Sammys canine companion, Shadow right by his side.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Anita’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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