Juanita Lucille Higuera

Juanita L. Higuera, age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Born February 1, 1931 in Atoka, OK, she was the daughter of Roy David and Stella Ruth Woods Ladd. She attended school in Atoka, OK and graduated from Atoka High School. Juanita had a passion for all things old and went into the antique business shortly after moving to San Angelo in 1969 from the San Francisco Bay Area. Juanita enjoyed every aspect of the antique business. In 1977, Juanita, along with her business partner Evelyn Hill, discovered an usual space above their antique store on Concho Ave. While doing a little research they discovered that this space had an interesting history. They cleaned, painted, refurbished, and redecorated in order to give everyone a look back into the past and renamed the space “Miss Hattie’s”. Miss Hattie’s was originally a brothel that operated from 1895-1945 when the Texas Rangers closed it down. After retirement, Juanita’s favorite hobby was baking cakes, pies, and cookies and delivering them to her many friends and acquaintances. Juanita was also an avid Texas Rangers fan and she rarely missed a televised game and often spoke of the games she attended. She could hold her own when discussing the game with the most seasoned fan. Juanita exuded an uplifting spirit; she always had a smile on her face and a warm greeting when you saw her. She treasured the time spent with family and loved buying toys to fill the playroom up with so that the little ones would have something to play with. Juanita is survived by her son Bill Surrell and wife Darlene, grandsons; Mike Mahlmann, Jonathon Mahlmann, granddaughters; Heidi Irby and husband Kent, Lana Kalina and husband Harvey, Brittany Lange and husband Cole, great-grandsons; Luke Kalina, Logan Lange, great-granddaughters; Lexi Kalina, Emma Lange. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, eight siblings, and two sons; Lloyd Surrell, and Ernest Higuera. The family of Juanita would like to thank Kindred Hospice and their staff, especially her nurse Lisa, CNA’s; Helen and Veronica, and volunteer coordinator Alan. We would like to offer a special thank you to hospice volunteers; Suzanne (your visits meant the world to Juanita), Sandra of The Blue Pedicure Beauty Salon (Juanita loved being able to have her hair trimmed even though she was bed bound), and Carla of Southwest Florist (your monthly floral gifts were beautiful and brightened her room). Visitation for Mrs. Higuera will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017 from 6-8 P.M. at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with burial immediately following at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.