Juanita Smith
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Avenue, Jackson, OH 45640
(p) 740-286-2010 (f) 740-286-5640
Juanita Smith, age92, of Jackson, Ohio passed away on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, at Jenkins Care Community in Wellston. She was born March 9th, 1931, in Oak Hill, Ohio to the late, Clarence and Gertrude (Crabtree) Adkins. She was the oldest daughter of 12 children. Her grandparents are the late William and Lizzie (Carr) Adkins and Jeptha and Rosa (Hughes) Crabtree.
Juanita is survived by her son, Michael (Helen Jo Wimer) Smith of Georgetown, Ohio; her daughter, Bonnie Owens of Jackson, Ohio; grandchildren: Nicholas (Alicia) Owens of Columbus, Ohio, Katie Owens of Jackson, Ohio, Rebecca (Dustin) Garret of Richmond, Kentucky, Rachel (Todd) Cluxton of Ripley, Ohio, and Carey (Drew) Shaheen of Russelville, Ohio; great-grandchildren: Henry and Crosby Owens, Kennedy, Savannah, and Cora Shaheen, Drew Baughey, and Carter, Kenley, and Presley Cluxton; brothers, Ted (Rosie) Adkins and Gary Adkins; sister, Connie Carney; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and grandparents she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Henry Smith; siblings: Clarence Adkins Jr., Carl Adkins, Virginia Trapp, Robert Adkins, Wilma Dillon, Ruby Yates, Paul Adkins, and Vicky Adkins.
Juanita attended Hickory Grove Elementary, a one-room schoolhouse, and Oak Hill High School where she graduated as Valedictorian. She attended college at the University of Rio Grande earning her cadet and bachelor’s degree in education. Later she earned her master’s in education at Ohio University. She taught 26 years for Jackson City Schools and 2 years for Oak Hill Union Schools.
She was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir and taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was a boy scout and girl scout leader. She was also a founding member of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, National Retired Teachers Association, Oak Hill Senior Citizens, and the Jackson County Board on Aging where she served as secretary for 20 years. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars. Her favorite past time was reading.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, from 6-8PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, at 11AM with Pastor Janie Karl officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Christ Church of Jackson, 150 Portsmouth Street, Jackson, OH 45640.
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