Juanita Sanford Matlock Kemp

She was born in Jackson, TN on April 10, 1925 to Ona Illa and Earl Sanford. After dropping out of school in 8th grade to help care for her family, Juanita was determined to complete her education finishing her GED and LPN. She worked as a nurse for many years at the Jackson Clinic and continued this career as a caregiver when she and her husband Herschel owned Hillcrest Nursing Home. She was well known throughout the local Baptist community for her tireless work in the Women’s Missionary Union and countless Vacation Bible Schools. Everyone could always count on her to promote the work of her favorite missionary, Lottie Moon. After her retirement, she and Herschel traveled extensively with their Good Sam’s Camping Club and served on many mission trips. Her travels took her throughout North America, Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. They served once for several months in Burkina Faso building wells and teaching school under a tree in the desert. Juanita also journeyed to Jamaica several years to lead Vacation Bible Schools in impoverished communities. Her other volunteer activities included being the volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army Angel Tree, delivering meals on wheels, and providing Christmas cheer for the patients at Western State. Her volunteer activities were rewarded with being named the Altrusa International Inc. of Jackson’s “Woman of the Year” of 1999.Before becoming too ill, she continued to be an active member of Englewood Baptist Church and enjoyed the Primetime Ministry trips and activities. She built a loving home to welcome all of her children and grandchildren home for holidays. Everyone loved coming to “Grandma’s house”.

She is lovingly remembered by her surviving family; sister Linda Ann and husband Wayne Allen , children Montie F. and wife Charlotte Matlock of Jackson, Helen Scott of Clearwater, FL, Phillip and wife Linda Kemp of Arab, AL, Walter and wife Ann Kemp of Georgetown, TX, daughter in law Ann Kemp of Huntsville, AL and son in law Larry and wife Becky Beardsley of Fort Wayne, IN. Her legacy is also carried on through her cherished 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by first husband, Montie Matlock, second husband Herschel Kemp, daughter Sherry Matlock Beardsley, son Raymond Kemp, and son in law Tom Scott.

Funeral Services will be Saturday March 2, 2013 11AM at Englewood Baptist Church burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Friday March 1, 2013 from 5 til 8 at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel.

The family requests that memorials be directed to Gideon’s International, Madison County Camp, PO Box 173, Jackson, TN 38302-0173 or Lottie Moon Missions Offering, c/o Englewood Baptist Church, 2239 North Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38305, or a charity of donor’s choice.