Mrs. Juanita Ford Gatewood, age 84, of McDonough, GA by way of Miami, FL passed away May 31, 2018. Juanita was born in Donaldsonville, GA the daughter of the late Elise Johnson-Rhines and C. B. Rhines. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Duncan and a brother, Howard Jones.
Juanita graduated from Seminole High School in Donaldsonville, GA. She worked most of her career in banking and accounting. Juanita worked as a CNA for Live Oak Nursing Home in Miami. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Locust Grove, GA. and a member of the local AARP chapter. In her spare-time she enjoyed gardening, fishing, being a zoo keeper for her animals (cats, parrots, rabbits, birds and chickens), sewing, music, singing, and being a volunteer for Westbury Nursing Home. Juanita was a member of the Henry County Community Senior Choir. Prior to her move to McDonough in 2007, she was a volunteer grandma with the Fairway Elementary School in Miramar, FL.
Survivors include her loving husband of 43 years, James Gatewood of McDonough; daughter, Bettye Battles of Locust Grove; grandchildren, Shavon Griffin of McDonough, La’Shanika Hunter of Miami, George Battles of Miami, Kathrine Nicolas of Locust Grove. Her great-grandchildren, Kennard Paramore, Nathaniel Goldwire, Alkeyra Lavalliere, and Jamari Hunter all of Miami; step children, Larry Gatewood, Willie James Gatewood, Amy Moore and Derrick Gatewood all of Richland, GA; brothers, Connie B. Rhines of Orlando and Joseph Rhines of Miami; sisters, Margaret Bell and Ernestyne Johnson of Miami; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with Pastor Lionel Wilson officiating.
