Juanita Cintron Sierra

A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Juanita was known for her kindness, gentle spirit, and quiet strength. Though she often described herself as shy for much of her life, she became more outgoing in her later years and delighted those around her with her warmth and sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Juanita, lovingly known as Jenny and Abuela, was born on August 2, 1935, in Playa Blancas (White Beaches), Ceiba, Puerto Rico. As a child, she cherished simple joys—going fishing with her father, watching the train carry sugar cane past her home, and picking fruits such as mangos, bananas, sugar cane, and berries on the family farm. Later, she moved with her family to New York City, where she learned to adjust from rural life to the pace of the city.

She graduated from Central Commercial High School in 1954 and began her professional life working for the American Express Company. She later served as a stenographer for the Supreme Court of New York, a role she performed with dedication and pride.

In 1956, Juanita married Eliezer Sierra, and together they raised three children. In 1978, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she devoted herself to supporting her children through the transition and caring for her home. Wherever she lived, Juanita found joy in nurturing plants, flowers, and vegetables, and she took great pride in the garden she cultivated at her Florida home.

Juanita was also a wonderful cook whose meals brought her family together. They especially loved her asopao soup, pastellas, and fried plantains. She had a deep love for seafood—particularly blue shell crabs—and fondly spent time crabbing from a small bridge on Heckscher Drive near Little Talbot Island, happily cooking and enjoying her own fresh catch.

In her later years, Juanita resided at Cathedral Residence, where she actively participated in the community. She took special joy in sending birthday cards to fellow residents and loved playing games such as crossword puzzles, dominoes, cards, and bingo. Most recently, after moving to Anthem Lakes Atlantic Beach, she proudly won nearly every game of bingo she played.

Above all else, Juanita loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She was immensely proud of them and held each one close in her heart.

Juanita Sierra was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Lillian DeJesus (Jose), and two brothers, Emilio Cintron and Herbert Cintron. Her loving memory will be cherished by her son, Elliot Sierra (Alicia); daughter, Evelyn Sierra Lofton (Tyrone); grandchildren David DeJesus (Norma), Elliot Christopher Sierra II, Ian Michael Sierra, Jazzlyn Sierra Lofton, Justice Elena Lofton, and Jordan Gabriella Lofton; and her great-grandson, Sebastian DeJesus. She is also survived by her sisters, Maria Colaco and Gloria Concepcion; her brother, Efrain Cintron; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Rd N on Saturday, April 4, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM followed by a A Celebration of Life at the same location beginning at 11:00 AM.