Nita Mae Tannebaum

Nita Mae Tannebaum passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Legacy Midtown. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, educator, friend, and mentor, Nita Mae was born on July 22, 1933, to Henry and Ida Levy in St. Louis, MO. During her childhood, her family lived in several cities in Oklahoma before moving to Ponca city, OK. After graduating from Ponca City High School, she enrolled in the University of Oklahoma where she met the love of her life, Sam Tannebaum. Sam Tannebaum and Nita Mae graduated from OU, got married, and moved to Dallas, Texas, where they had two children and many dear friends.

Nita Mae was a teacher in DISD and later helped found the preschool at Temple Emanu-El, where she taught and nurtured many children who still have fond memories of her. After her years at Temple, Nita Mae went on to get a master's degree at UNT and taught many aspiring teachers at Brookhaven and Eastfield Colleges among others.

Nita Mae was a friend to many while still raising a family and creating a home where the door was always open.

Nita Mae was pre-deceased by her parents; brother, Louis Levy; and her husband of 54 years, Sam. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Mark Turner), son, Joel (Bev Hook), and grandchildren, Jeramy Turner, Jack Tannebaum, Ford Tannebaum, and Sofia Marie Tannebaum.

Nita Mae loved her family, mahjong, horse racing, an the Texas Rangers. She'll be missed!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Temple Emanu-El Preschool, Operation Kindness, or your favorite charity.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Hillcrest memorial Park, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas. Memorial service to follow at Temple Emanu-El at 2:00PM.