Juanita Ruth Parker Harden

Juanita Ruth Parker Harden, lovingly known as “Neeter” to her parents and sisters, and “Nanny” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and most everyone who knew her, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, just a few months shy of her 90th birthday, surrounded and uplifted by the love and prayers of her family and friends.

Juanita was born on August 2, 1936, in Simmons Bottom near Dayton, Texas, to Carl Stevens Parker and Virginia Lee Williams Parker during the height of the Great Depression. Raised in humble beginnings along the Trinity River Bottom, Juanita grew up in a deeply faithful Christian home where prayer, perseverance, and trust in God shaped the course of her life. Her parents helped establish a small church in the Simmons Bottom community, laying a spiritual foundation that would guide Juanita throughout her life.

Juanita was the third of four sisters; preceded in death by Betty Waycott Mitchell and Gloria Parker Davis, and survived by her youngest sister, Paula Parker.

At the age of six, her family moved to the Denver Harbor area of Houston, Texas, where her father worked in the pipeline industry during World War II. In 1943, at just seven years old, Juanita gave her heart to Jesus during a revival service — a moment she often described as the defining experience of her life.

Gifted academically, Juanita graduated high school at just 15 years old and later attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Lionel Wayne Harden. They were married on March 20, 1954, in Houston, Texas. She was 17, and he was 20. As an Air Force cadet in the pilot training program, marriage was against the rules, but their young love could not be denied. Seventy-two years later, they remained committed and steadfast to one another and their faith. It was not always an easy road, but their foundation of faith held firm.

Juanita was a gifted teacher, writer, encourager, and prayer warrior. She was a prolific student of the Bible and wrote many study guides on praise and worship.

A true artist at heart, Juanita expressed her immense creativity in everything she touched — whether she was creating a banner, painting delicate china, bringing warmth and beauty to her home through interior decorating, or hand-sewing. An incredibly skilled seamstress, she lovingly smocked innumerable heirloom dresses and Jon Jons for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She loved a beautifully set table, holding a classic standard for family meals where plastic cups, cans, or bottles were gracefully replaced by her beautiful glassware and china, ensuring every gathering felt special.

She loved people deeply and dedicated much of her life to ministry. After her youngest child, Sean, survived a devastating automobile accident from which doctors believed he would not fully recover, Juanita and Wayne devoted themselves even more fully to sharing the goodness and faithfulness of God. Alongside their dear friend, Ann Bashara, they co-founded Majestic Reign Ministry, creating exquisite worship banners that exalted the Lord and testified to His miraculous power and grace. Together, they were involved in prison ministry and worship symposiums throughout the United States, Canada and the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

In 1999, after Wayne’s retirement from American Airlines in 1993, they moved to River Ridge Ranch along the Lampasas River in Bell County, Texas, where they built their dream home and enjoyed many cherished years surrounded by their growing extended family and new friends.

Nanny’s greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Wayne, and her children Stephen and wife Gina, Bradford and wife Holly, Jill and husband PC, and Sean and wife Kristin.

Her legacy continues through five generations of family. She was blessed with 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and another great-great-grandchild on the way.

Her grandchildren include Ky Edwards Yarborough, Parker Harden, Kathryn Paige Harden, Micah Harden, Sterling Harden, Slayton Harden and Stephen Wesley Harden.

Her great-grandchildren include Isabella Edwards, Sophia Yarborough, Max Yarborough, Townes Harden, Collins Harden, Jonah Drob, Rowan Drob, Lavinia Avery, Hadley Harden, Tessa Harden, Hannah Harden, Sydney Harden, Karlie Harden, and Millie Harden. Her great-great-granddaughter is Nova Grace Blu.

Juanita is also survived by extended family members, loved ones, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, hospitality, wisdom, prayers, and unconditional love.

Those who knew Juanita will remember her joyful spirit, her love of a good card game, and countless rounds of Wahoo with her grandchildren. Books and Runs, her favorite card game, may or may not have included a little good-natured rule bending — apparently a true “Parker” trait. A house full of family and friends, gathered around good food, games, and laughter, was her happy place.

While her family grieves her passing, they rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior whom she faithfully served throughout her lifetime. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family will, undoubtedly, continue through generations to come.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Tyler Street Church, 927 West Tenth Street, Dallas, Texas, 75208. Flower selections may be ordered through Sonshine Design Florist, 469-585-1959.