Juanita enjoyed working and began her career at the local cleaners in Monticello, where she cleaned and pressed clothes. Years later, Juanita began employment with Arvin Industries as an assembly line operator and worked there several years before suffering an injury. In her later years, she worked as a caregiver for several families in the Drew County Community. She was a member of Morning of Star Missionary Baptist Church where she loved Sunday School and enjoyed assisting the Finance Committee with raising money for special events. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, six brothers, two sisters, one daughter, Barbara Gary and one son, Ulas Sanders.
Juanita was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved caring for her family, as well as others in the community. She was affectionally called ''Ms. Kitty,'' by family and friends. Every year Juanita enjoyed planting flowers and nourishing her flower bed of Pansies and Azaleas bushes. She was a good cook and enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She enjoyed fishing and coming home to immediately clean, cook and eat her catfish, crappies, perch or buffalo fish.
Juanita leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories, two daughters, Reola Boyd (William) of St. Louis, MO, Linda Nimmer of Little Rock, AR; daughter-in-law Betty Sanders of St. Louis MO; three brothers, Williard Smith of Los Angeles, CA, Winfort Wells of Compton, CA and Dwight (Joyce) Wells of Monticello, AR; three sisters, Jessie Mae Williams and Stella Gray of Monticello, AR, Elizabeth (James) Ingram of Hot Springs, AR; three granddaughters, Vicky (David) Williamson of Chula Vista, CA, Natally (David) Griffin of Colorado Springs, CO, Jocelyn Sanders of Los Angeles, CA; two grandsons, John (Shelley) McClanahan and Gregory (Jenna) Sanders of St. Louis, MO; 13 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends; Juanita's special cousins Welton (Doris) Green, special nieces Sherrie Gillespie and Elizabeth ''Fayre'' Harrison, special nephew Kenneth Rogers, pew partner Melanie Rawls, special family friends Karen and Wanda Bealer, Becky Daniels, Evelyn Ridgell, Cheryl Scott, Terry Gragg, Jacqueline Thompson and Family, Kenneth Lamb and the Lamb family; Juanita's special caregivers, her daughter Linda Nimmer, great grandchildren Terrez Grider and Tierra Harris; great granddaughter-in-love Candice Armstrong; and friends Sylvia Murdock and Melanie Rawls.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. D.J. Buffington officiating. There will be a Wake Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Brooks Chapel Cemetery. You can sign Mrs. Juanita's guestbook registry here on her page.
Condolences(5)
Becky Daniels
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 21, 2026 To God be ALL the Glory. Thank you thank you thank you. For blessing me with so much love and joy. I’ve had for so many years with Ms. Janita. I’m forever grateful. I was always your girl and you will forever be mine. You were one that walk the walk and talked the talk. I’m getting teary eyed knowing I will never see you again. The memories I have will forever be treasured. Gone but never ever forgotten. Happy Heavenly Birthday my beautiful sweet Godmother 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏Maxine Ridgell
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 21, 2026 Juanita was one of the families I became acquainted with when I moved to Monticello. I loved being around her. She was always a classy dresser, friendly and easy to talk to. She will be missed by all who knew her. Rest On In Peace. You have earned your rest. Love You My Old Old Friend.Maxine Ridgell.
Larry Wells
Colorado Springs, CO Thursday, February 19, 2026 Our sincerest sympathies are with family during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful woman, full of strength and goodness. She will be sorely missed. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything I can do for the family during this very difficult time.Beverly Thomas
Sherwood, AR Thursday, February 19, 2026 Ms Juanita was a good friend to my mother, Joyce Sawyer and the Courtney family. She was always there for our community; financially, cooking or giving of her time. I will always cherish the fond memories of Ms Juanita and Linda in our neighborhood.Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 14, 2026 I will forever cherish memories of our times together. I was looking forward to the 100th Birthday celebration but you gave out on us. My valentine day will never be the same 💘❤️❤️😢