Anita Rochell Hanshaw Wyatt was called home to her eternal life on October 1, 2020. She died peacefully in her sleep at home in Fairfax, Virginia. She is survived by her daughter, Taryn La’Nita Wyatt. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Hanshaw, and niece, Chari Hanshaw.
Anita also leaves to mourn her mother, Lalita Hanshaw, brother, Charles A. Hanshaw Jr., sister, Angelique Hanshaw Vereen, (Derek Vereen), niece, Ashley Hanshaw, 2 nephews, D. Brady Vereen, Dezi Vereen and a great-nephew, Matthew Thomas, Jr. She will also be missed by her godmother, Barbara J. Vereen, godbrothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many family members and friends.
Anita was the firstborn of Lalita P. Hanshaw and Charles F. Hanshaw at Keesler Airforce Base on September 10, 1956, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She began elementary school in Redbank, New Jersey, and continued elementary school in Gulfport, Mississippi where she was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
Always active in church, sports and activities growing up, Anita graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School (now Justice High School) in Falls Church, Virginia. Anita lettered all 4 years in varsity basketball, field hockey and track. She also participated in Keyettes, Afro American Society and the Raider’s newspaper and yearbook.
Anita then moved to Atlanta, GA where she attended Clark Atlanta University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Mass Communications. Anita was on the Dean’s List for all 4 years of college, was Who’s Who in Colleges and Universities, received the Outstanding Senior Award for Mass Communications, and won the NAFEO Outstanding Alumni Award.
She participated in many other activities including Women in Broadcasting, SGA, Pan-Hellenic Council, Yearbook Staff, Student Recruiter, Dormitory Council, Pre-Alumni Council, and was Vice President of the Senior Class. Anita was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Sigma Chapter, and continued to serve with the sorority throughout her life.
Known as being a highly motivated achiever, Anita had a career in sales, marketing, management, and business development. Anita was a passionate, energetic, creative, and innovative professional. In addition to her corporate positions, Anita was an entrepreneur who began her own company, consulting and strategizing with businesses and organizations, helping them to reach their full potential and planning events including golfing functions.
Anita was recognized and won many awards for her sales and marketing achievements as well as awards for her golfing. She was an avid golfer, loved the sport and took time out to teach children how to play golf. In 2011 she was honored with the Outstanding Leader in Golf Award by the African American Golfer’s Digest. She also always participated with the Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association.
Anita was an active member of Oakton United Methodist Church in Oakton, Virginia. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, getting people together, traveling, going to sporting events, and eating tasty cuisine. Gone too soon, Anita will be very missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
