Juanita Marie Jackson

Juanita Marie Thompson, "Nita" was born on February 16, 1940 in Houston, Texas to the late Carrie Lee Dixon and the late Norris Thompson. Juanita was the youngest child of four siblings. Juanita grew up in a loving Christian home. She gave her life to Christ and was a member of Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. O. C. Johnson. At an early age, Juanita developed a love for singing and was very active in the choir. She also was a member of the Hearts Singing Group and the Sanders Singers. An avid learner, Juanita attended Bruce Elementary School, E. O. Smith Junior High School, and Phillis Wheatley High School. Being a social butterfly, Juanita was very active in the glee club and many other school activities. She graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School in 1958. After graduation she proceeded to nursing school and began her nursing career. After high school Juanita married Richard Jackson. No children were born to this union. Later, Juanita decided to expand her horizons and moved from Houston, Texas to Los Angeles, California. Juanita worked in the health care field most of her life. Her nursing career provided her the opportunity to work at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Houston, Texas and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for over thirty years. Later, Juanita worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for several years. On July 15, 1968 and on June 16, 1971, Juanita gave birth to the two loves of her life: Kim and Kurt, whom she loved dearly. The trio was inseparable and enjoyed life to the fullest. Juanita made sure that her children received the best education and exposed them to many different cultures. She desired the best for them and provided it at every opportunity. Juanita would later become a member of Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. James Cleveland where she was very active in the choir. Juanita sang and traveled with Rev. Cleveland as a member of the Southern California Community Choir for many years. After the death of Rev. Cleveland she joined the New Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Dr. Eugene Bryant. In 1995, Juanita returned to Houston, Texas and reunited membership with Lyons Unity Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Dr. William Anthony Jordan. She was an active choir member until her death. Juanita's zest for life was contagious. She lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed bowling, line dancing, cooking, entertaining, singing, and playing cards. Family and friendship was at the heart of her life. She was caring and always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. She will be remembered by all who knew her. On October 11, 2013 Juanita made her transition. She is resting in the arms of Jesus. The song of her beautiful life has ended but the melody will linger on Juanita will be greeted in heaven by her mother, Carrie Lee Dixon, her sister, Mary Lee Mitchell, and her brothers Lucius Dixon, Jr., and Andrew L. Dixon. She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her loving daughter Kim Radford (Hope); her devoted son; Kurt Marshall (Shelia); grandchildren, Tyler Marshall, Devin Davis-Marshall, Jordan Radford and Jace Radford; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.