May 13, 1930–April 9, 2025
Anita Gates Minuth, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community leader, passed away peacefully in Gloucester, Virginia, at the age of 94. Raised in Clemson, South Carolina, Anita lived a long and vibrant life—filled with laughter, purpose, and a spirit that lifted those around her.
A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Anita earned degrees in Journalism and Education. Her career in advertising and public relations spanned coast to coast, bringing her face-to-face with some of the most notable names in entertainment during television’s golden era. She worked behind the scenes in radio and later at ABC, where she contributed to shows such as The Real McCoys, Peter Gunn, Wagon Train, The Untouchables, Adventures in Paradise, and Hong Kong.
Eventually, Anita moved her family to Mathews County, Virginia—a place she quickly fell in love with and made her home for nearly 50 years. It was here that she rooted herself deeply in the life of the community, pouring her talents and energy into causes, creativity, and connection.
Her later professional roles reflected her deep commitment to education, the arts, and her community. She served as Advertising Manager at the Southside Sentinel, Marketing Director for the Center for the Arts at Old Dominion University, Public Information Officer and instructor at Rappahannock Community College, Manager of the Gloucester Senior Center, and Clean Community Coordinator for Gloucester County.
Anita was passionate about community service. She served on the Board of Directors for the Community Concert Association and the Puller Center, founded the Lifeline Program for the Middle Peninsula, chaired the Gloucester County Resources Council, volunteered with Adult Literacy of the Middle Peninsula, and lent her talents to Mathews Market Days as Entertainment Chair.
A lifelong lover of theater, Anita graced countless stages as an actress, director, costumer, singer, and producer. She was a founding member of the Court House Players and remained a central figure in the troupe for most of its 45-year history. She also sang with the Tri-County Express for 37 years, led the choir at Kingston Parish, and brought her theatrical gifts to professional stages, dinner theaters, and classrooms alike. Before moving to Mathews, she had founded the Dance Theatre of Northern Virginia and conducted drama workshops and storytelling sessions that inspired generations of students.
Perhaps her most cherished role was that of storyteller. For 20 years, she captivated young minds at Ware Academy with timeless tales, forging bonds that endured long after her students had grown. “It kind of takes my breath away that they remember me,” she once said. “I get as much from them as they get from me.”
Anita also had a lifelong love of travel and history. In retirement, she explored the world with her cousin, always eager to immerse herself in the culture and stories of each place. She especially loved Barcelona, Istanbul, and Amsterdam, and could recount their histories with the detail and delight of a true storyteller.
In her final few months at Heron Cove at Sanders, as her hearing, sight, and memory began to fade, Anita faced the changes with the same spirit she had always shown. “What can I do now to give back?” she asked. Her answer: “I can make the people here smile.” And so, she did.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Janice Hoyt Gates and John Hobart Gates. She is survived by her daughters, Karyn Gallion (Jacob Gallion) and Margaret Minuth; granddaughter, Brittany Haywood (Joshua Owens); great-grandsons, Zachary Owens and Liam Owens, and many friends she considered family.
Anita lived her life with an open heart, a curious mind, and an irrepressible joy. Her laughter was infectious, her stories unforgettable, and her presence—on stage and off—made the world brighter.
A visitation will be held at Andrews Funeral Home on Thursday, May 1, from 6:30-8 p.m. A service celebrating Anita’s life will take place at Ware Episcopal Church on Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m. Following the service, all are invited to join the family at their home to continue the celebration with music, light hors d’oeuvres, and stories. Bring your instruments—Anita would have loved that.
The family extends deep gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated team at Riverside Hospice Care, Middle Peninsula, and Heron Cove 2 at Sanders, whose kindness and care brought comfort and dignity to Anita and her family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anita’s name to Riverside Hospice Care, Middle Peninsula. Gifts can be made online through the Riverside Foundation donation portal, or by mailing a check (payable to Riverside Foundation) to: 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, Va. 23606 or call 757-234-8740.