November 20, 1937 ~ December 3, 2024 (age 87)
Obituary
Juanita Greer Birdwell, 87, joined her beloved husband, Willard Ray, and her daughter, Krecia Ray, in their heavenly home, Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at 7:15pm. Juanita enjoyed a strong and vibrant Thanksgiving Day laughing with family, experiencing a sudden stroke that evening. She was surrounded by her family and prayer through the moment of her passing.
Juanita was born to Bernice and Ethel Greer on November 20th, 1937 in Gladewater, Texas. She is survived by her twin and dearest confidant, Ms. Janita Bolt of Marshall, Texas. She and Janita have endured the passing of their older brother, Herbert, and younger sister, Irene.
Juanita was married to the love of her life for 55 years. She and “Papa” were known by all as an inspiring example of Biblical servanthood in marriage. Their marriage was full of laughter, family, travel, and SFA basketball-cheering. Papa often played ‘pranks’ on Juanita, but was always ‘paid back’ ten-fold by ‘Gran.’ He also wrote monthly songs and poems to Juanita, reminding her of his love for her and the beauty she possessed in his eyes. Willard passed in 2012, three years earlier, Juanita lost her beloved daughter, Krecia, in 2009. Juanita endured life’s trials with a disciplined prayer life and constant devotion to serving her family through her pain.
Juanita enjoyed serving her adult children by caring often for her grandchildren; creating fun adventures for them through crafts, swimming, cooking lessons, & outdoor chores. She was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Nacogdoches for more than 50 years; serving over the years as a talented vocalist in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and as deaconess who spent daily time visiting or calling the sick and elderly. She cherished her First Christian memories and counted her friendships there as treasured family. Juanita served as hospital volunteer, or “pink lady,” with Nacogdoches Memorial ER for more than 30 years. She joyfully served families in the midst of crisis or tragedy by comforting them, praying with them, bringing food or coffee, or reading to their children. She also served faithfully as a Hospice volunteer, sitting with families in the loss of their loved one; listening, praying, and encouraging.
Juanita is survived by her son, Kerry Birdwell of Nacogdoches and his children; Jesse, Colton, Ashley, and Cade, all of Nacogdoches. She is also survived by her daughter’s children; Kasey Van Norman, Blake Porter, and Karly Santos, all of Bryan, Texas. She loved playing with and visiting her nine great-grandchildren; Emma Grace, Lake, Cash, Beau, Tripp, Sonny, Landon, Katelynn, and Brigham.
Juanita’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 13th at 10:00am at First Christian Church, 702 N. Mound St. Nacogdoches. Graveside for close friends and family to follow at Cushing Cemetery. No visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to First Christian Church Nacogdoches, Texas.
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