Juanita grew up in Crystal Springs, MS where she graduated high school and then attended Co-Lin Community College in Wesson, MS. Juanita went on to serve in the United States Navy from July 8, 1943 to October 15, 1945 and was stationed stateside during WWII. Following her service years, she and Harold came to Bronaugh to farm with Harold’s father, and while there, they welcomed two of their children. The couple lived in Illinois from 1954-1970 adding two more children to the family. After returning to Vernon County Juanita was a substitute teacher in the Bronaugh School District for 10 years. Juanita was a member of the Heritage Baptist Church and was very active in every church she attended, teaching Sunday for many years. She was also a caregiver for the elderly for 10 years while living in the Bronaugh and Sheldon area. Following the death of her husband she moved to Nevada. She has resided in Kansas City since 2016.
She is survived by three children, Doug Smith (Jean) E. Moline, IL, Carolyn Smith, Tyler, TX, and Allen Smith (Sandy), Kansas City, MO; nine grandchildren, Nena Fink (Marvin), Jaimie Smith, Tom Bussert (Janie), Michael Bussert (Anji), Jon Bussert (Amber), Heather Conover (Mark), David Smith (Allie), Rachel Pulliam (Kevin), Brandon Smith (Mandy); 19 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Diane Smith, Mt. Zion, IL; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, son, Lynn Smith, grandson, Chad, granddaughter, Robin, one brother, and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Stan Bunch officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Worsley Cemetery in Bronaugh. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested in her memory to Worsley Cemetery or Heritage Baptist Church c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
