Anita Hinson Cain went to be with her Lord and Savior on Dec. 19, 2022 at her home in Sieper, La., at the age of 90, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Alton Cain Jr.; three daughters, Diann Norris (Kenny), Dena Parker (Larry), and Dee Ann Taylor (Joel); eight grandchildren, Katie Williams (Paul), Trent Parker (Mikaela), Jared Parker (Kira), Weston Parker, Chase Taylor, Ava, Anna Grace, and Emma Taylor; and three great-grandchildren, Emily, Anna, and Sadie Williams. Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Esther Hinson.
Anita grew up in Pitkin, La. She graduated Valedictorian of her senior class at Pitkin in 1950, and after a winter of dairy farming with her husband, was inspired to return to college, graduating from Louisiana College with her elementary teaching degree in 1954. She began her teaching career in Pitkin teaching second grade. After moving to Westlake, La., she taught at both Maplewood Elementary and Westwood Elementary, moving then to East Beauregard High School where she taught first grade. In 1969, Anita returned where her career had started, Pitkin High School, and taught there until her retirement. But her career was not over! She was asked to return to the elementary classroom and taught in Pitkin, Hicks, Simpson, and Elizabeth before finally ending her illustrious career! She taught a total of 45 years!
Anita is best remembered as being the sweet teacher with the small voice that could discipline an entire classroom with just a glance! A piano always graced her classroom and the music she shared with her students brought joy and happiness to their learning. Being an exceptional artist, the bulletin boards in her classroom were always adorned with her own beautiful drawings which inspired joy and learning in her students. She has touched the lives of countless children, including her own three daughters who became teachers following in her footsteps. Anita was a model teacher and many of her former students have become teachers as a result of being under her influence in the classroom!
Anita’s gift of playing the piano extended well beyond the classroom. She began playing the piano at church when she was 10 years old and later continued her music ministry by playing the organ. She has played for countless church services, weddings and funerals, and her beautiful music was a steady source of comfort and joy. She faithfully and skillfully played the organ until four months ago at the age of 90.
Anita was an exceptional wife and mother. She was a faithful wife and cared for her husband of 72 years selflessly. She raised three daughters, teaching them Christian values and instilling in them a strong work ethic which she demonstrated both inside and outside the home. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her girls from the patterns and material they chose. She attended all their rodeos, piano recitals, and basketball games no matter where they were held, even across the United States. Her hospitality could not be matched and everyone always felt welcome in her home.
Anita Hinson Cain will be remembered as a beautiful, kind, and gracious Christian lady who always thought of others before herself. We know she was greeted in heaven with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.
A funeral service for Anita will be held on Thursday Dec. 22, 2022, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pitkin with The Rev. Stephen Laughlin officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Branch Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Pitkin from 5 – 9 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.