Juanita Rafield was one of the few adults who had taken an interest in me. Somehow, instead of just seeing a shy skinny kid with a huge inferiority complex, she saw the God given potential of what I might become. And she nurtured that potential throughout my three years at Coral Gables High. 

During high school, I found a home away from home in the concert chorus. The chorus room became a safe haven, a place I headed whenever I had any free time during lunch or after school. Singing in the chorus, a madrigal group, and a men’s quartet gave me something to look forward to each day and helped me make it through high school.

Also, Mrs. Rafield was a Christian and didn’t mind letting us know. Before each concert she would have us bow our heads and lead us in a prayer. 

In my senior year, Mrs. Rafield assigned me the part of Captain Brackett in South Pacific. And then toward the end of that year, Mrs. Rafield recommended to the school administrators that I sing the national anthem and lead in the singing of the school’s alma mater during our graduation ceremony. Wow!

Over the years we exchanged Christmas cards, and she always included a brief newsletter telling of her comings and goings.

Art Heyman - Class of 1965. This was Mrs. Rafield's first year at Coral Gables Senior High. She told us once that we were her babies.

I did my student teaching with Juanita at Coral Park Elementary.  I was her last intern as she retired at the end of the year.  She was fantastic with the children and was a great role model as I was beginning my teaching career.  
I gained a true friend.  We kept in touch throughout all the years.  We would send each other Christmas cards up to a few years ago.  I loved reading about all her trips and adventures.
She would always sign her card “lovingly”.
My condolences to her family.  

I first met Juanita several years ago when her daughter, Charmoine, was to be married to my best friend, Steve Moore.  She and her husband were extremely gracious and offered me a place to stay in their home for me while I was in Coral Gables, FL.  
I since had the wonderful opportunity to visit with her several times throughout the years since.  She was always full of energy and very kind to me and my wife Mary.  
We are blessed to have gotten to know her!

Charmione, what a beautiful lady your mom was and what a legacy she leaves for you and your sons and grandchildren.  I'd love to have seen a production of one of her Broadway Plays!  That's my favorite form of entertainment!  From the letters written on this site she must have been quite the exceptional teacher and all around good person!   What a blessing for you to have these memories of such a fine mom!  Love you and will be thinking of you.   Joan  Mitchell 

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. My name is Janna (Laing) McConnell.  I am a 1966 graduate of Miami Edison High School where Juanita graduated in 1950.  I manage an archives and memorabilia collection for the school and am including her obituary in our memory book.  I have some photos from the 1950 yearbook and would be happy to share them with the family.  I can be reached at laing@hotmail.com or by phone at 305-333-2927.

Karen Tyler Gentry
Friend

It’s hard for me to know where to begin, because there are so many wonderful memories of my relationship with Juanita Rafield.  She was so many things to me: my teacher (Class of ‘72), my example, my mentor and my friend.  Other than the Lord and my parents, she was truly the most influential person in my life.  She was an incredible lady full of love and life and a strong faith in God.  As a teacher,  Mrs. Rafield had the perfect blend of no nonsense and fun which endeared her to her students; and our experiences in chorus have forged wonderful life-long memories for so many. 
When she asked me to succeed her as the chorus teacher at Gables High, I was honored and did my best to carry on the tradition of excellence that she had established. I’ll be forever grateful to her for allowing me to have that experience.  I will miss her but I’m glad she is now at home with the Lord. My continued prayers and thoughts will be with Charmione and her family, and with Gordon, as well.

Aunt Juanita we have so many precious memories of you. The most memorable one is when you did a cartwheel in our yard when we all were  celebrating another family reunion Tom and I will always have you in our hearts. We know you are with the good Lord now and will see everyone who has passed on again We Love you Tom and Linda Nunn

May 🎶 The Lord Bless You and Keep You...🎶 


I can’t believe this day has come. It is hard to put into words my long held admiration and respect for Mrs. Rafield, even before having her as a teacher and friend for my 3 years at Gables. In Ponce I could not wait to get to Gables, be in her chorus and participate in the musicals she worked tirelessly to perfect each year. I also knew her, Mr. Rafield, Charmione and Felicia, through our church life at CG First Methodist. I remember graduation dinner at their home when Charmione and I were graduating from Gables, and her being at the airport to greet me when I returned from 4 months in Israel, in’73 at the time of the Yom Kippur war. She was a giver, an inspiration to so many, and was accepting of all people. Later in life, she told me to call her Juanita, I could not. She will forever be Mrs. Rafield to me, and I will always remember her great, loving smile and wonderful laugh. My sincerest condolences to Charmione, her family, and to Gordon.

My sincerest sympathies and condolences go out to the family at this most difficult time.

Thank you for allowing me to be your daughter Felicia’s friend and for welcoming me into your home. You were a lady of class and culture who inspired multiple generations of students 
  Rest In Peace and Hug Felicia for me please 

Mrs. Rafield (That's how I knew her at Gables High [Class of '65]) was my favorite teacher.  She was my chorus teacher all 3 years of high school, even though I couldn't sing very well.  Chorus was more than a class and Mrs. Rafield was more than just a teacher.  We were like a large family, and she was like our mother.  We had so much fun putting on numerous concerts, a couple of Broadway shows and winning superiors at state contest in Daytona Beach.

She gave great advice whenever I had a problem.  She was a mentor, even though I wasn't really a musician (I lip synched)!  

I haven't seen her in decades but thought of her a lot.  I will miss her.



Mrs. Rafield was an incredible and talented teacher and family friend. She was caring and passionate about her family, teaching and travel. I played the piano for our chorus class in the early 70's. When she left Gables she taught with my father at Coral Park Elementary. They put on musicals together. We will miss her dearly. Her memory will live on forever.

Condolences to the family. Ms. Rafield will be missed. She was a great music teacher. Had so much fun in her class and the trips we use to take. Get your rest now and God bless this family.

Much Love
J.Powell
Class of 81
Coral Gables St. Hig

What a wonderful person and inspiring teacher. I had the pleasure of being one of her students in 1980. I was also friends with her beautiful daughter Felicia. Both are greatly missed. 

So sorry for your loss. Graduated in 1971. She was a great music teacher with us wearing our pink dresses and going to state.  Great times. She will be missed

So sorry for your loss, your mother was the best teacher at Gables High I enjoyed being in chorus and Tri M , the broadway shows were a pivotal point during our high school years we so enjoyed our choral competitions and getting high ratings and rewarded by going to Daytona  Beach. She made music fun and I still sing to this day. Juanita you will be missed love you lots!! Susan Corrigan Gables class 1981 


OBITUARY

Juanita R Long

11 July, 1932 – 29 September, 2022

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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