Nola Juanita Gifford, 98 years, 4 months, 11 days old, passed away on June 27, 2023 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare in Ava, Missouri with her family by her side.
Nola was born February 16, 1925 in Douglas County, MO to Walter and Stella (Lakey) Fitzgerald.
On September 9, 1947 Nola and James H. Gifford were united in marriage at Ava, MO and they were blessed with two sons, Joe and Jerry.
Nola was a homemaker. She was a Christian and a member of the Dogwood Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers and cooking.
She was quite a collector of ceramic cats and had a big collection. Most of all she loved caring for her family and especially taking care of her grandkids.
Nola was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Joe and Jerry; three brothers, Merman, Herman and Emra; four sisters, Vonice Rose, Bonnie Williams, Zora Fitzgerald and Genieve Wallace.
Nola is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses, Stephen Gifford, Tammy Jo & Mike Eanes, Scott & Tracy Gifford, Tracy & Shaun Sandusky; her daughters-in-laws, Donna Gifford and Katy Gifford; numerous great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; three sisters, Stella Fitzgerald, Erma Lupton and Doris Wood; several extended family and friends.
Memorial services for Nola will be Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO. She will be laid to rest by her husband James in the Ava Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Buddy Boyd.
