Nelda Jane Kitchens, of Benton, passed away on October 31, 2024 at the age of 78.  She was born on August 24, 1946 to Hiriam & Lavern Croxton.  Nelda was a graduate of Bauxite High School Class of 1964.  She worked for the Bauxite School District for 37 years.  Nelda was a true "once a miner, always a miner".  Most of her career she served as secretary of Pine Haven Elementary.

She married her high school sweetheart, Harold Dewayne Kitchens, in 1965 and they were married for 50 years.  The love of her life preceded her death.  Also preceding her in death are her parents, Hiriam & Lavern Croxton; sister, Loretta McCallister; and son-in-law, John David Burris.

Nelda is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Lupton (Adrian) and Cara Beth Ballard (JR); her adoring five grandchildren, Dakoda Ballard, Adriana Lupton, Cade Burris, Eli Lupton, and Kason Ballard; along with a host of nieces & nephews.  Her very best friend in the world who she loved to tease incessantly is her sister-in-law, Debbie Kitchens.

She was a lifetime member of New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.  Nelda was an avid supporter of Miner Athletics and Band.  Her favorite past time was shopping & traveling with her daughters.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 3 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 4 at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church with burial at New Friendship Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bauxite Miner Athletic Foundation or the New Friendship Cemetery Fund.