Funeral services for Mrs. Juanita Rae “Nita Rae” Ellerbe Womack will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 4, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd. Monroe, with Rev. Michael Wood officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the funeral home.

Nita Rae, as she was affectionately known, was born on November 30, 1947, in Monroe, LA, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on August 31, 2026, in Monroe. She worked as a teacher’s assistant for the Ouachita Parish School Board for 11 years before beginning a 21-year career as a Communications Officer with the Ouachita Parish Fire Department. She retired after many years of dedicated service.

Above all, Nita Rae loved and adored her grandchildren. They were the joy of her life, and even when she could not attend one of their special events, she would always ask her children to “please kiss my babies for me.” She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, and she had a special way of making those around her feel loved and welcomed. Nita Rae genuinely tried to love everyone she met and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian Ray Ellerbe and Juanita Wilhite Ellerbe; and her brother, Michael “Mike” Ellerbe.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 56 years, Jimmy Womack; two daughters, Amanda “Mandy” Womack and Megan Hodge (Casey); grandchildren, Kannon Hodge and Landrie Hodge; siblings, Peggy Smith (Ricky), Brad Ellerbe (Marsha), and Jenny Ellerbe (Anna Rowan); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom she considered family.

Pallbearers will be Kannon Hodge, Chris McGough, Mason Blaylock, David Mulhern, Jaxon Mulhern, and Jay Mulhern.

The Womack family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the 3rd Floor Nursing Staff at St. Francis Hospital and Allegiance Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Nita Rae and for treating her not simply as a patient, but as family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the charity of your choice.