Juanita Yvette Calahan

Juanita Yvette Calahan, the youngest daughter of eight children, was a concerned, respectful, loving sister, aunt, servant and friend. She loved Eagles, sports, reading, calligraphy, young children, movies, game show and “air guitaring.” She loved family and said God led her to purchase her home as a place to take of them. Everyone knows that is exactly what occurred.

Juanita’s life began September 22, 1949, in Camden, Ouachita County, Arkansas, born to Albert James Calahan and Mae Francis Cranford-Calahan. Her parents, paternal/maternal grandparents and four siblings: Jerry Calahan; Billy Ray Calahan, Bernice Delores Calahan-Clary and James Fredrick Calahan preceded her death.

She professed a belief and hope in Christ at an early age and was very involved in church activities at the Mt. Gillard Baptist Church, Camden, Arkansas where she committed her life to Christ and was baptized.

While in high school, Juanita participated in various school activities and graduated in May 1969 from Lafayette High School of Camden, Arkansas. After graduation, she attended one semester at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff afterwards she joined the United States Army serving several tours abroad and stateside until her honorable medical discharged in, 1981 at the rank of E-6/ Staff Sargent. Juanita was one of her four siblings who also proudly served with honor in The United State Armed Services, one in the Air Force, two in the Army and two within the Navy.

After her medical discharge, Juanita moved to Austin, Texas. She worked for Austin Independent School District for a short while as a school bus driver, realizing that this was not her calling, she worked at Eagle Signal Corporation for many years and also worked as a Medical Contracting Consultant and finally at New York Long Term Care Division in Austin where she retired.

She was married to Ron Gipson, (deceased) for several years ending in divorce. She was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church for several years, serving as an Usher. After her divorce she became a member of The Agape Baptist Church of Austin, TX where her eldest brother is pastor. She served as head of the Usher Department, Women Ministry, Prison fellowship Angel Tree Program ministry and Vacation Bible School teacher.

Juanita Yvette Calahan is survived by one Godson: Mr. Regiis J. Jones (Ta keisha) of Leander, Texas; Three God grandchildren: Re Anna; Regiis Jr and Riann Jones of Leander TX; She is Known as Mimi, to her god grands and her nephew James children (Israel and Zion), three siblings Pastor Horace (H. Ed) Calahan, Austin, Texas; Harlen James Calahan (Renee), of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Terry Conrad Calahan (Sheron) of Camden, Arkansas and a host of Nieces: Collette Laday, Debra Love, Anita Elliott, Patricia Byrd, Lashannon McRae, Sherita Kelly, Simone Alexander, Eboni Elliott and Brittni Greene. Nephews: Billy D. Calahan, Marcus G, Calahan; Rod McKinney; Idris Calahan; J Marvin Elliott, James F. and Jarrod Calahan, Darrell Atkins, Courtney Greene, Lee Elliott, Howard Love, Nehemiah Alexander, Brenton and Brian Love; host of cousins, other relatives and special sister friends Nan Griffith, Annie Whitley, Wanda Bowser, Susan Shepherd and Delores

Although gone physically, Juanita’s presence will always be with us through all those precious memories and that captivating smile. Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 40: 31: “But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like as eagle; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

A visitation for Juanita will be held Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A visitation will occur Monday, July 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 1, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Juanita will be laid to rest in Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks Cemetery , 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.