May 19, 2014

Anita Grace and Nita Smith - Bank clerks murdered in Cairo, Illinois

Anita Grace, age 52, and Nita Smith, age 52, died on May 15, 2014, at medical facilities in Illinois. 

Both women were employees of a First National Bank in Cairo, Illinois. 

Anita Grace (L); Nita Smith (Mid); James Watts (R)
At about 5:00 p.m. on that date, three bank employees were leaving the bank for the day when a man forced them back inside. He had a gun and a knife and intended to rob the place. In the altercation that followed, Anita and Nita and a 23 year old female employee were all stabbed. Tragically, Anita Grace and Nita Smith died from their wounds. 

James Watts, age 29, of Cairo, has been arrested in connection with this crime. He has previously served time for the sexual abuse of a child and for forgery. He just got out of prison a month ago.

Friends describe both victims as kind and loving.

Anita Grace was from Olive Branch, Illinois and was the president of the Cairo Bank
Jesus, pray for Anita and for Nita
Branch. She had 27 years of service. Friends stated that she was a kind soul and a friend to everyone. She was very active in the community and served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations. She loved her family deeply. She was a member of the Alexander Free Will Baptist Church.

Nita Smith was a longtime Bank Teller. She grew up in St. Clair, Missouri. She was a 1980 graduate of St. Clair High School. She liked to travel and liked the outdoors. She had recently become a grandmother. Friends describe her as a fantastic person who got along well with everybody.

The families and friends of these women are devastated by their sudden and senseless deaths. They will be forever mourned.

Anita and Nita are survived by many loved ones. Oceans of tears will be shed for these women.

Pray for all who go to work and who die because of it.

God save us from the thieves. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Anita Grace is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Nita Smith is in heaven. Pray that she is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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