Juanita Mae Smith, 89, passed away at 6:18 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 in Plymouth, MI with family by her side.
Juanita was born in Williamson County to Rue and Lillian (Handkins) Ozment on March 18, 1926. On February 1, 1946 she married Loy Ray Smith at Crab Orchard Methodist Church. They were married for 67 years before Loy Ray’s passing on March 26, 2013.
Juanita is survived by her loving daughter and husband, Charlotte and Larry Worthen of Livonia, MI; grandchildren Cheri Worthen, Scott and Renee (Brozak) Worthen; cousins, Velma and Gerald Handkins, Audrey (Handkins) and Alan Biby, Janet (Ozment) McCoy, Allan and Katie (Graves) Ozment, and sister-in-law Flo Dudley. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents Rue and Lillian and her loving husband, Loy Ray.
Juanita graduated from Crab Orchard High School in 1944 after which she attended beauty school. She enjoyed a career as a beautician for many years. She and her husband moved from their home in Marion to Plymouth, MI in 2011 where she treasured the time with her daughter and family. She loved music and was a member of the Village Joy Singers at her assisted living facility. Juanita enjoyed church work and was a member of the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Juanita was a life member of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and DAC (Daughters of the American Colonies).
Funeral services for Juanita will be held on Wednesday, April 1 at 1 p.m. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Schell officiating. There will be a visitation from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will follow the service at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Marion.
For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.
Juanita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family and friends. She will be missed by many.