Mary Anita Johnson Givens, 64, a life long resident of Benton, passed away Friday, June 13, 2008 at the family residence. She was a member of Zion Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earnest "Pete" Johnson and grandmother, Edna Johnson.

She is survived by her husband, Lee Roy Givens of Benton; two children: Lori Tankersley and husband, Larry Tankersley and Misty Givens all of Benton; mother, Margie "Granny Johnson" of Benton; three grandchildren: Brandon Tankersley, Raven Tankersley and Hunter Givens all of Benton; sisters, Bettie Anderson and husband, Vergil Anderson of Benton and Glenda Teague of Cleveland; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2008 at Zion Baptist Church with Reverend Kurt Benson officiating. Interment will follow in Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service. Bryon Evans, Gregg Evans, Dennis Bates, Ray Wilson, Douglas Evans and Justin Burris will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Brandon Tankersley.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 15, 2008 at Higgins Funeral Home and 10-11 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2008 at the church prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Givens family guestbook at www.higginsfunera.com.