Juanita H. Johnson

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Juanita H Johnson formerly of Palmetto, FL at 3:00PM on Saturday, April 25 at Groover Funeral Home, 1400 36th Ave E, Ellenton, FL. Juanita was born on December 17, 1937 in Edenton, NC, to the late Darris and Nellie Hopkins.

She went to high school in Edenton, and later moved to Washington D.C. for a short time where she worked for the FBI. Juanita then moved to Palmetto, Fl to be closer to her family who had relocated to the area. It was in Palmetto where she met her sweetheart of over 64 years, Ward “Harlon” Johnson, Jr.

Juanita worked for Dr. Sam Miller, a local dentist, until he retired. She then went to work for Dr. William King, another local dentist in Bradenton until they both retired. She lived a life devoted to Christ, and attended First Baptist Church of Palmetto for many years. She enjoyed treasures in life such as antiques, tea parties with friends, collecting teddy bears antique quilts and spending time with her family.

Juanita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her family deeply, and her greatest joy in life was her two granddaughters, Sydney and Ashton.

She is survived by her loving husband, her sweetheart, Ward “Harlon” Johnson, Jr., her two dear sons, Steve Johnson (Cheryl), and Jeff Johnson (Peggy “Dede”), and her beloved granddaughters, Sydney Gerry (Kris), and Ashton Klucker (Noah), who brought her endless pride and joy. She also leaves behind her brothers Donald Hopkins (Dorothy, passed), Maurice Hopkins (Sheila), sister-in-law Lois Hopkins (Frank, passed), sister-in-law Sharon Hopkins (Gerald, passed), nephews: Donald Hopkins, Jr., Frank Hopkins, Jr. (Melanie), Dale Adams (Shannon), Lee Adams (Carrie), Marcus Hopkins (Alicia), nieces: Debbie Williams (Rick), Pam Armstrong, Jacquie Malzahn (Charles), Christin Aycock (Brandon), Catherine Hopkins (Kristyn), Shelly Adkins (Chris), several great nephews and great nieces as well as extended family.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents Darris and Nellie Hopkins, her brothers, Frank Hopkins, Sr., Gerald Hopkins and her sister Laura Hopkins.

Visitation will be from 1:00PM to 3:00PM on Saturday, April 25 at Groover Funeral Home, 1400 36th Ave E, Ellenton, FL. Celebration of Life Service will start at 3:00PM

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate or The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2.