Ms. Juanita Wilson's Obituary
There are many words that can be used to describe Juanita Wilson: daughter, sister, wife, mother, mamaw and great-mamaw. Cook, baker, collector of antiques, quilter, seamstress, and gardener. Feisty, stubborn, loyal, protective, thoughtful, and at all times, a lady.
On Thursday, August 4, the incredible woman who possessed these traits and many more went home to be with her Lord and Savior, for we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Juanita Hendrix Wilson made her debut into this world on Saturday, June 25, 1932 to Russell and Myrtle Estelle Hendrix. Weighing only a pound and a half, the doctor wrapped her up, placed her in a shoebox by the fireplace, and simply told the new parents not to get “too attached.” Her stubborn streak began there and thus began a life filled with much adventure, joy, and love, as well as her fair share of heartbreak and pain.
A couple of years later, she was awarded the title of “big sister” when her little brother, Dub Hendrix, was born. They were always close and even after she married and moved away from home, they spoke frequently on the phone and visited as often as they could.
Then love came knocking. After he promised he would keep her close to her family in her home state of Louisiana, she married the love of her life, M.I. Wilson on October 12, 1952, and he then promptly moved her to the great state of Tennessee, where they began their incredible journey in life together. They were blessed with four children, Michele, Teresa, Troy, and Michael, and would later be equally blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and M.I. raised their children in a Godly home and were active members of Inglewood Baptist Church for many years. She was a familiar face on youth outings and mission trips and volunteered in many other capacities.
Many will remember Juanita as being the “hostess with the most-est”. For many, many, years, the Wilson household was the go-to house for all the kids – the door was always open and the refrigerator was always full. She loved to cook and bake and there were always desserts on the counter and something else bubbling on the stove. Her home was always decorated according to the seasons, with Thanksgiving and Christmas being her favorites.
Recently, her baking skills were put to use baking cakes and pies for the meals on wheels program at IBC and she looked forward to attending services each week.
Mere words cannot describe how much she will be missed, but we are confident in the knowledge that as we continue with our lives here on earth, she is being greeted by a myriad of family and friends and worshipping at the feet Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her brother, Dub (Kay) Hendrix; children Michele (Jackie) Freeman, Teresa (Jerry) Ryan, Troy (Mary Bea) Wilson, and Michael (Kristie) Wilson; grandchildren Tracie Michele Freeman, Michael Paul (Ashton) McNeese, Steven and Joseph Ryan, Emily and Erin, and Russell and John Michael Wilson; and great-grandchildren Addison, Morgan, Nicolas, Destiny, and Asia, as well as numerous devoted nieces and nephews.
What’s your fondest memory of Juanita ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juanita ?
Share a story where Juanita 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juanita you’ll never forget.
How did Juanita make you smile?
