Juanetta Flynn Curl

Juanetta graduated from Washington’s Dunbar High School and attended one year of college at Howard University, where she met her future husband, Langston Wesley Curl. The couple married in August of 1951. In April of 1960, the couple welcomed their first son, Wesley. Six years later, also in April, Juanetta and Langston became the proud parents of their second son, John. Langston preceded Juanetta in death in June of 2009.

For most of her professional life, Juanetta worked for the Montgomery County Department of Social Services. She held a number of roles—many supervisory—in programs that helped connect county residents with medical and other vital services. Following her 1993 retirement, Juanetta became a founding volunteer of a senior-support program sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women.

A skilled keeper of confidences, Juanetta was loved by a vast network of friends. Some connections took root during her school days in Washington. Other friendships formed at work. But it was the tight bonds Juanetta formed in 1968, when she moved with her family to the Tamarack neighborhood in Colesville, Maryland, that sustained her through daily activities, joys and sorrows.

Within Tamarack, Juanetta became part of a group of largely professional Black women who were politically active, helped to raise one another’s children, and served as confidants, companions and sounding boards. They also loved to shop, socialize, travel together and play Bridge. Their camaraderie and love would last for 50 years.

As stylish as she was funny, Juanetta had a quick, self-deprecating wit. She was demonstrably a girl’s girl. Juanetta loved fashion, and she never missed a hair or nail appointment. Admittedly unathletic, she was nevertheless an avid sports fan, content to watch hours of college and professional basketball and football.

Juanetta made her transition on December 28, 2020. She will be missed by her son Wesley and his husband, Tim; her son John and his wife, Nicole; her grandchildren A’livia, Christian and Nia; and a long list of family and friends.