Juanita R Oakley

Juanita was born in Belvidere, Illinois on August 25, 1926 to Clair and Alice (Grow) Gilman. Juanita graduated from Belvidere High School in 1944 and started working at the telephone company in Belvidere with her best friend Geri Oakley. During that time a picture of Juanita and Gerri was sent to a Geri’s brother who was serving overseas in the Army. He fell in love with the dark haired girl stating that he was going to marry her when he got home and three months after discharge in January 1946, Lamonte Oakley and Juanita were married on April 27, 1946.

Juanita retired from Atwood as a parts inspector and she and Lamonte enjoyed many trips out West and also camping. The experiences in life that impacted her most were, “accepting the Lord Jesus as my Savior, having my children and grandchildren, and helping older people with their needs and listening to their troubles.” Juanita picked up people for her church’s “Jolly 60’s” weekly meetings even as recently as this year. She loved crocheting, reading, and crossword puzzles. She was blessed to have Michelle and Ray, her neighbors who offered friendship and assistance. She had many friends from church who visited, brought meals and visited her this past year.

Juanita leaves behind a sister, Bonnie Smith of Belvidere, three children, Laurie (Dave) Holm of Waterloo, IA, David (Andrea) Oakley of Purnela TX, Timothy (Donna) Oakley of Rockford, IL; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Harold and husband, Lamonte.

Juanita’s family and friends have experienced a loss but Juanita has received a new home!

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 Holy Bible

Celebration of Life Funeral Service to be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park. Visitation at 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial following in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a condolence www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com