I was deeply heartbroken to hear about the passing of Anita. She was such an amazing person—kind, compassionate, and always brought so much joy to those around her. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, including my family. She was so wonderful with my children, always showing them such care and kindness. Her absence will be profoundly felt by all of us.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. I pray for comfort and strength for you and all who loved her. 

With heartfelt sympathy,

Jorge, Settha, Orion, Justice, and Christian Barrera

My heart aches for Anita’s passing although I know it is not as much as the Dantzler family’s. 

Anita has children, and yet she was a Mom to everyone.  She would always go above and beyond as best she could with the resources available to her to care for and take care of others. 

My sincere and deep condolences to Will, Dana, Olivia, Lexi, and Berhanu for your loss. I am sure that heaven is still cheering as Anita was greeted with “Well done my good and faithful servant”!

Anita was a beautiful person. She was so people oriented. She loved her family, cared about her neighbors, and paid attention to GOD.

As some have already shared, Anita got involved in the lives of the people that she knew. My wife Nancy and I were so surprised once after a snow storm to find Anita shoveling our driveway. Nancy had mentioned to Anita about my chest tightness after the previous snow. So Anita was worried about me. Later, I found out that she urged our younger neighbors to help shovel our driveway. That’s Anita.

She was such a caring involved mother. When our daughter had a medical emergency, Anita sent Dana to take care of her. When Anita discovered that we had a Nikon camera, she borrowed it for Olivia to take pictures for painting projects. Anita invited us to a showing of Olivia’s paintings.

Anita talked about Alexa (now Lexie) starting with musical performances, then science projects, awards, and medical school. When Berhanu came along, Anita and Will asked me to cut out cub-scout race cars.

As for Will’s business adventures, Anita wasn’t only a cheerleader, she was in the fray. And that’s Anita: not 50%, but always over 100% of concentrated devotion.

So, it’s sad that Anita left us a bit early. But our times are in GOD’s hands. May GOD care for Anita as HE promised, and comfort, her family and us who miss her.

Jesus said, the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is to love others as you love yourself.  Mrs. Dantzler was a very loving lady, and she lived a life that helped me learn how to love others, particularly neighbors well.  She shared her great joys with me, inviting my mom and siblings over to see each of her newborn children.  She was there for my family and me when tragedy hit, and my dad had to have emergency brain surgery.  And she comforted me on days when I just wanted to mourn over my life in shambles.  She shared God's love with the world, and in so doing, brought a little of heaven to earth.  She will be greatly missed. 

Much love,

Renee

Our hearts are heavy upon hearing the news of Anita’s passing. How terrible to have such a hideous disease take such a stunningly fantastic lady way too soon. She was an exceptional human being! Kind, generous, patient, caring, humble, fun and a tad spunky. We met Anita and her family when we moved into the neighborhood in 2010. Our boys were the same age and enjoyed hanging out together, which was a great excuse for me to hang out with her! I quickly learned she was a powerhouse, the energizer bunny! I have fond memories of our conversations by the pool or at her kitchen table. She taught my boys how to swim and taught me a thing or two about parenting and life!

We are comforted in knowing she has left 4 bright, beautiful and talented pieces of herself behind. Her children. Her pride and joy! They will continue to spread the light and love Anita instilled in each of them. And while we did not meet her granddaughter I know she was over the moon when she arrived and can only imagine loved her just as much. Anita loved deeply.

Anita saw the best in people and wanted only the best for everyone. The neighborhood in Manassas hasn’t been the same since Anita and her family moved to Indiana and the world won’t be the same without her. We are grateful and blessed to have had the Dantzler’s in our lives. We miss you, Anita, and our hearts, hugs and prayers go out to your amazing family. 

The Thompson's

I am so sad to hear about the passing of our friend Anita.

When we first moved to Forestview- Anita showed up that very next day with brownies. She never stopped showing up for us- for her neighborhood or especially her family. She was my first friend here in Manassas.

 She provided refuge for my aching mommy tummy and offered me to use her pool - relieving so much pressure from a growing baby who was on her way. She walked in some of my darkest moments with me as a new momma with a baby who couldn't nurse- sitting on my couch late into the night offering me comfort- bringing meals, mowing our lawn, and providing love and guidance. I will miss our Buckeye game nights, our rolling our eyes at our husbands, and her letters and emails updating us on her family.

She left gifts for the girls as they moved, their beloved playhouse and pony, dress-up costumes, and warm fond memories for Jacklyn and her friend "B". She gifted me a love for the Benedictine sisters garden, as in those early tough days of motherhood we would walk them with a crying baby Jacklyn. She left behind a beloved growing, successful, kind family- whom she was the ultimate champion for. Though her time here was far too short- she accomplished so much - and with all her love for her family I know she will not be far from their hearts.

There is not a time I won't look next door and see all the love she created in that home and on this street. Well done to a kind a faithful servant - you will be missed forever.

Anita was quite a woman. She had perfected a balance between a vibrant work life and being a wonderful Mother. She is so special and will be missed.

 Anita truly lived her life for other people - her family, her friends, her community. She led by example - a behind-the-scenes helper, never looking for accolades, true to her values, generous, and so very loyal. Although she was bright and accomplished, for Anita, it was never about her, it was about *you. *  She was such a gift to all of us - warm, welcoming, accepting (and a lot of fun).

 "Mourn not that such a woman died, rather, rejoice that such a woman lived."

Our family sends love and condolences to Will, Dana, Olivia, Alexa, Berhanu and Carol - as well as Anita's extended family.  How lucky we were to know and love her -