Anita Harvey

“Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.”

Anita Rae Harvey, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend entered into eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, February 22, 2021 in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by her loving children.
Anita lived a full and rewarding life with times of happiness and struggle. She drew strength from her faith and family, and persevered through it all. Her life was defined by love of family and friends and her strong Christian faith. She was especially devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She was born Anita Rae Goodrich on February 15, 1935 in Seymour, Texas to Ray and Margaret (Stevens) Goodrich. She moved to El Paso with her parents when she was six years old. An only child, Anita grew up in El Paso where she graduated from Ysleta High School and Texas Western University, later named University of Texas El Paso. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Eastern New Mexico University.
Anita began her teaching career at Bel Air High School in (El Paso) where she taught history. She married TW Harvey in El Paso in 1958, and together they moved to Crystal City, Texas in 1967. With their three children, Jesse, Karla, and Tom they moved to Artesia, New Mexico In 1970. She began teaching history at Artesia High School in 1973, and remained there until her retirement . She was a life long learner who took immense joy in the art of teaching. More than just a teacher, she loved getting to know her students as individuals through in-depth conversations, which was as fascinating as it was rewarding. She loved her students. She also cherished the friendships she made with her fellow teachers. Anita’s gracious and kind heart touched many of her students and colleagues. One of her great pleasures was reconnecting with former students and sharing memories and laughs.
A loyal Artesian, her passion was Bulldog Football. Some of her happiest times were spent attending football games, traveling with the other coach’s wives, and supporting the Artesia Bulldogs. Her children were active participants in Artesia athletics. Even after her children graduated, the community remained deeply important to her. The coaches and wives remained some of her dearest friends for the rest of her life. To this day, the legacy of athleticism and sportsmanship remains integral to her family.
She was also an active member of The First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge and bunco with her friends. She took pleasure decorating her home, participating in her lunch group, and attending reunions with her cherished group of coach’s wives. She shared a friendship with a group of friends from elementary school spanning 80 years. As an only child, these were the sisters she never had. These friends helped each other through the trials and triumphs of life. Anita will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Behind her warm smile was easy conversation and sound advice that will always be cherished.
Anita is survived by her children, Jesse Harvey of Austin, Texas,
Karla Porras (Luis) of El Paso, Texas, Tom (Valerie) of Andrews, Texas; grandchildren Ryan Harvey, Tito Porras (TingJia), Toby Porras, Karly Porras, Jacqueline Porras, Raven Harvey, Ranger Harvey and Raider Harvey ; two great granddaughters, Brooklyn Freytag and Charley Harvey. She is also survived by her loyal friend , companion, and travel partner for over 20 years, Jerry Brown of Lubbock, Texas.
Karly, Anita’s eldest granddaughter, captured her grandmother’s spirit and legacy in this tribute:
Thank you, Grammy, for the life changing lessons you taught me, and will continue to teach me even though you are gone. You will always be my inspiration of strength, independence, resilience and intelligence. I will cherish our friendship and memories for the rest of my life. Watch over me, I will be working everyday to make you proud. I will love and miss you forever.
Anita’s family would like to thank Encompass Hospice in El Paso and Harmony Home for the incredible care and devotion they provided our mother in the last two years of her life. They would also like to thank her friends who helped make the last few years of her life easier with their telephone calls, visits, cards, and letters.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The First United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry in Artesia or to a charity of your choice. No services are planned per Anita’s wishes.

Life well done, good and faithful servant.