Juanita Pearl Pierce was born in Prentiss County, MS on September 8, 1945 to James Audie Pierce and Pearl Gann Pierce. Her father was in the Army so they moved around during her early childhood, but by the time she started school they had settled in Booneville. Juanita was an only child, but grew up with a multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles that made for a large close knit extended family.
Juanita was a 1963 graduate of Booneville High School. After high school she attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College and then Mississippi State University. She graduated from MSU in 1967 with a degree in Science.
Juanita met her future husband, Fred Shearon of Belmont, MS, while attending NEMJC. After she graduated MSU, the couple wed on June 10, 1967 at East Booneville Baptist Church. Fred and Juanita welcomed their first child, James Fredrick in March 1968. Four years later Victoria Anne was born and finally their youngest daughter, Jennifer Leah was born in April 1973. Their family was complete.
During her life Juanita was a devoted wife and mother. Fred was in the ministry and Juanita was an encouraging help to him through many years. Juanita was an active member of each church they served at including her home church of East Booneville Baptist Church. Throughout her life, Juanita was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, a volunteer with the children’s ministry and the youth ministry as well. She was even known to sing in the choir from time to time. Juanita also committed a great deal of time working with the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts and helped as a Booneville High School band parent. She loved dogs and was a pet groomer for many years and she loved working in her flowers.
Juanita endured many struggles in this life. She survived breast cancer at an early age and then lost her cherished husband, Fred, to Lou Gehrig’s Disease when they were just 37 years old. This left her to raise their three children by herself. Through all of life’s struggles and hardships, however, Juanita never gave up and her faith in her Lord never wavered. She was an incredibly strong woman who fiercely loved her Lord, her children, her grandchildren and her friends. She passed this trait on to her own children as well.
Juanita is survived by her children Jimmy Shearon (Tonya) of Hattiesburg, MS, Vicki Jensen (David) of Madison, MS, and Jennifer Johnson (Michael) of Booneville. She was the loving Nana of Andrea Shearon Kasparian (Hayk), Samuel Johnson and Melody Jensen. She is also survived by many lifelong friends and dear cousins.
Juanita was proceeded in death by her husband, Fred Shearon and her parents, Audie and Pearl Pierce.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at McMillan Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 22, 2023 in the chapel at McMillan Funeral Home. Bro. Rickey Kelly will officiate the service. Kenny Claunch, Jesse Kay Shields, Mike Kelley, Gary Kitchens, Mike Kilgore and Bruce Church will serve as pallbearers.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com
