Juanita Louise Gatlin

Juanita Louise Young Gatlin, “Mimi,” was born in Palestine, Texas on May 6, 1920. The third daughter of Mildred Tarrer and Alonzo Young, Juanita had 3 sisters and one half brother. In 1939 she graduated from Corsicana High School and met Woodrow Percival Gatlin that same year. His World War II commitment in the Army Air Force interrupted his courtship with Juanita and his promising Football career at LSU. In July of 1945, “Woody” returned home and they married, settling in Odessa, Texas with their two daughters, Deborah Louise Gatlin and Jenice Anita Gatlin. Woody passed away at the age of 35 in 1953 from an unexpected heart attack. At that time, Juanita sold their home and moved to Dallas to be near family. She had a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she worked on many projects, the last being the conversion of the open concept of modular offices. She retired after 33 dedicated years of service.

Juanita was a member of Cockrell Hill Baptist Church and will be remembered for her love of football as an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboy’s fan! She enjoyed westerns and I Love Lucy. Always one who was quick to laugh, Juanita had a great sense of humor. She carried her sense of fashion throughout her years and was never seen without her signature red lipstick and red fingernail polish. Her positive attitude and trust in the Lord carried her through many difficult times in her life. Juanita will always be an inspiration for her family, friends and caretakers at San Remo who provided love and carrying hands.

Juanita was a devoted mother and grandmother to her two daughters and her four granddaughters. She is survived by daughters: Debbie Adams and husband George of Richardson; Jenice Holland and husband Bruce of Spring; and by Donna Klemme of Plano who was like a daughter to her. She is also survived, by her four granddaughters and three great grandsons: Lauren Clement, husband Chase and their sons, Hudson and Jack of Richardson; Lindsey Williams, husband Jarrod and their son, Tucker of Farmers Branch; Rachael Holland of New York City; and Elizabeth Suhr and husband Adam, of Hockley, Texas. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces and long time friend, Marilee Kingsbury. While Juanita will be laid to rest next to her beloved Woody at Laurel Land Cemetery in Dallas, her family knows that her spirit will live in eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.