Anita Marie Pointer

After the birth of Aaron Elton, April 19, 1942 and Fritz Herman, November 30, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas,Anita's parents, Elton and Sarah Pointer, left Arkansas in 1945. They were part of the exodus, the six-decade-long "Great Migration." The Pointers moved to Oakland, California. On March 19th 1946 Ruth Esther was the first of four sisters to be born in Oakland. Anita Marie Pointer was born on January 23, 1948, followed by Patricia Eva "Bonnie" July 11th 1950 and June Antoinette, November 30th 1953. These four angelic siblings would grow-up to make secure contributions to American and world music history, over a 40+ year career. Unlike the rest of us, Anita was bornin our family house, across the street from DeFremery Park, at 1176 18th Street-for fun, she called it "Lemdy Semdy," at 18th and Adeline. She said that she used to think that her being born at home was an accident, that mother couldn't get to the hospital in time, that she had come early; but mother told her that she had planned to have her at home; that she had a midwife and a doctor there. Mother's best friend and traveling companion, Sister Lee, was there. Of course, there were Aaron and Fritz mischievously trying to peek through a to see as much as could. Being the only one born at home, Anita confessed, made her feel special. Anita was, and is, and will continue to be special to us, her family, and her fans around the world. She loved people unconditionally, genuinely, deeply. She was our Mother Teresa. Our respect and admiration for her is immeasurable. The news came down on New Year's Day that Anita Pointer of the Pointer Sisters passed away on December 31st, 2022, surrounded by love and family at her home in Beverly Hills, California. Anita was 74 years old. Preceding Anita were parents, Elton and Sarah; daughter, Jada;sisters, June and Bonnie and sister-in-law, Liz; cousins, William, Leon Jr. and Paul Silas. She leaves behind : her granddaughter, Roxie McKain; sister, Ruth; brothers, Aaron and Fritz; sister-in-law, Leona; brother-in-law, Mike Sayles; nephews: Derek, Malik, Shegun, Deron, Somori, Thiyane, Jaden, Connor, nieces: Barbara-Carol, Faun, Yvonne, Nandi, Melissa, Tracy, Jackie, Issa, and Ali; grand-nephews: Bryant, Jacob, Carlos, Joey, Keith, Balian,, Jaden, Phoenix, Daniel, Kendrick, Amaru; grand-nieces: Onika, Sarah, Sadako, Shardae, Michelle, Jadah, Arienne, Selina, Naiya; great-grand nephews: Joseph, Dorian, Orlan;great-grand nieces: Madison and Austin;extended family: Alan Dones, Linda Fowells, Sipho Kunene, Luyanda Kunene, Wandile Kunene, Marcus Johnson, Chris Lindsay and Jeremy Lindsay.

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Anita Marie Pointer

January 23, 1948 - December 31, 2022