Renita Hartley was born on August 5, 1964, to Mr. Clarence Hartley, Jr. and Mrs. Sandra Louise Hartley. From this union, five children were born: Brenda, Cassandra, Clarence III, Curtis, and Renita. Renita was the youngest of the five siblings. In 1982, Renita graduated from William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Her years there marked an important milestone in a life that would be defined by resilience, love, and quiet strength.

Affectionately known as "Nita," she will be remembered for her sweetness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering courage. Nita lived with a big heart and a strong mind. She genuinely loved people, valued truth, and remained steadfast in her beliefs. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Nita departed this life on February 8, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Hartley, Jr. and Sandra L. Singletary; her grandparents and great-grandparents, Mattie Shellman, Mary Jackson, James Jackson, Fleola Hart, Bernice Hartley, and Clarence Hartley, Sr.; her sisters, Cassandra Brown and Helen Hartley; her brother, Carl Thomas; and her beloved granddaughter, A'Nyiah Patrice Howie.

Nita leaves to cherish her memories: her beloved husband: Chuck A. Mills, her daughter: Juananya Y. Howie (Derek), her son: Walter F. James, Jr, her grandson: Derek L. Howie, Jr. Sisters: Brenda Woods, Sharon Hartley-Reid (Andrew), Octavia Thomas (Marvin), Juanita Simmons, and Beverly Hartley. Brothers: Clarence Hartley III, Curtis Hartley (Laura), Erick Hartley (Ernestine), Marvin Hartley, and Reginald Hartley. Along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.