Juanita Mae Lanham

She was born on April 8, 1930, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Ernest L. and Leona M. (McBride) Sewell. Juanita married Harold Lanham on November 2, 1951, in Springfield. He preceded her in death, on August 8, 1996.

Juanita graduated from Springfield High School with the class of 1948. She went on to work as a clerk at Franklin Life Insurance for many years and later worked for Flowers by Karen. Juanita was a member of Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, where she assisted the Sunday School Nursery, the BYF youth ministry, helped with funeral dinners, and was a FaHoCha Bible Camp missionary. She was also a member of the Bunco Club, and the church’s Ladies Aid Society. Juanita enjoyed crocheting, making floral arrangements, and raising her children and grandchildren. Her family and friends were very important to her.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Earl Sewell; and grandson, Tylar Everhart.

Juanita is survived by her daughters, Laura Mae (Kevin) Everhart and Kim Marie Park, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Holly Forden, Shannon (Nick) Griffitts, and Justin (Elise) Everhart; four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.