Mrs. Juanita Johnson Chinnis “Nita” Lanford passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 100 years of age. She passed peacefully with her family by her bedside. She was the mother of five children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Nita loved the Lord and her preacher, yard work, shelling peas, picking out pecans, Alabama football, Jalen Hurts, Elvis and knitting afghans for everyone she knew. She loved her dear friend Gwen Wilkerson and special neighbors Walter and Judy Wagner.
Nita was born in Greensboro, Alabama on February 17, 1925. She met and married Bill Chinnis during World War II and moved to Mobile in 1941. Nita was the fifth of eight children born to Nona and Fred Johnson. Before her passing, Nita was the last survivor of their eight children. Everybody who met Nita loved her for her loving and friendly way.
Nita was preceded in death by her parents Nona and Fred Johnson, her seven siblings, Virginia Johnson Stookey, Johnnie Johnson Gleaton, Bill Johnson, Pete Johnson Ryan, Hugo Johnson, Sambo Johnson and Gwen Johnson Foster and her son, Max Chinnis.
She is survived by her children Buzz(Annette) Chinnis, Everett Chinnis, Pat(James) Long and Toni(Tim) Quick, and her only surviving sibling, sister-in-law, Sue Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Juanita Lanford’s memory to Parkway Baptist Church. 1612 Staples Rd. Mobile, AL 36605. Visitation will be 9 – 10am Friday, May 16, 2025 at Pine Crest Cemetery, Dauphin Island Parkway, with a graveside service to follow at 10am.
