Juanita Louise French Adams

Juanita Louise French Adams passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015 in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 91. Juanita was born on July 2, 1923 in Minter, Alabama. She was the fourth of five children born to Robert French and Betty Rose Peasant-French. Juanita grew up in Minter but attended high school at the Snow Hill Normal and Industrial Institute in Snow Hill, Alabama. After graduating, she moved to Connecticut to complete a course in radio testing. Once she completed the course, Juanita moved to New York and began working as a Radio Operator. During this time, the United States was involved in World War II. After the war was over, she was reunited with her high school sweetheart, Charles Adams, Jr. It is said, that he told his mother there was only one girl he wanted to marry and he had to find her. Charles reached out to former Snow Hill Institute classmates and discovered that Juanita had moved to New York. From there, he found her aunt, Sarah Peasant, whom she was living with at the time. The lovebirds married on July 27, 1946 at the John Street United Methodist Church. They enjoyed listening to great music, going to the theatre, dancing, exploring New York, and getting together with family, friends, and classmates. A daughter, Jacqueline Juanita, was born from this joyous union. They also had a foster daughter, Rosie Mae McKnight. During this time, Juanita stayed home to raise their children. Their daughter, Jacqueline, married Frederick Moore, Jr. in 1969 and gave birth to a daughter, Dawn Liane, in 1973. Charles and Juanita lived happily until Charles’ death in 1975. After Charles’ death, Juanita went back into the workforce managing a local grocery store, learned how to drive, and bought a car. To everyone’s surprise, she bought a 1979 gold Pontiac Firebird, which she had for 27 years. Over the years, she continued to enjoy everything New York had to offer: theater, music, art, history, sites, sports, fashion, and the hustle and bustle of being a New Yorker. Her life was about family and friends. To her family, she was Aunt Juanita, Aunt Neat, Tito, and Nana. To her friends, she was “Judge”, a nickname given to her by her husband Charles because he said she was his judge and jury. Juanita was a great cook. She was known for her candied yams and macaroni and cheese, and cooking a feast if she knew you were coming to visit. Juanita loved to gather with those she held dear. Family gatherings and reunions, Snow Hill Institute Alumni club meetings, and traveling with family and friends filled her life. She also witnessed every major event in her granddaughter’s life: birthdays, dance recitals, prom, graduations, and buying her first home. For several years, Juanita battled with heart issues that eventually led to a triple bypass surgery, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Two years ago, her granddaughter Dawn moved her to Florida to be more involved in her healthcare. Juanita’s health complications eventually resulted in her death. She lived her life on her terms and enjoyed every moment of it. Juanita left this world only when the warm, beautiful light of God beckoned her home. She will be remembered for her endearing spirit, long meaningful talks, words of wisdom, stylish attire, and deep faith and inner strength that carried her through love and loss. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Bettie Rose, her stepmother, Fannie, her siblings and their spouses, Clarence (Rachel), Patrick (Willie Pearl), Elizabeth (James), and Bettie Rose (Willie), her husband Charles, and her daughters, Jacqueline and Rosie. She is survived by her granddaughter Dawn and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice, New York Foundation for the Arts, or the National Kidney Foundation.

Juanita Louise French Adams

July 2, 1923 - March 30, 2015