Juanita Kaigler

Juanita, known affectionately by her family and friends as "Neat" or "Nita," was born on August 28, 1940, in Liberty, Mississippi. Her nickname was a perfect reflection of her life and her personal standards. Juanita was renowned for keeping an immaculate, "super clean" home and maintaining a flawless  appearance, always looking like a 10, from head to toe. She carried herself with grace and precision, a characteristic that defined her presence. All that knew her would say she was the most sweetest, kindest person anyone could meet. Juanita was educated early in her life, in the Amite County School District, from grade school to high school, she was in the Rosenwald Schools System. She graduated Valedictorian from Liberty Rosenwald High School.  

Professionally, Juanita dedicated over 17 years of service to the Los Angeles Unified School District. Later in life, she channeled her compassionate and meticulous spirit into entrepreneurship, opening her own California State registered Board and Care Facility, where she cared for up to eight residents at a time. An amazing businesswoman who skillfully wore multiple hats, Juanita's greatest passion was always helping others. This commitment extended beyond her business; she was known for making fruit baskets with her children around Christmas and Easter to give to the community convalescent hospital, and for her generous spirit in cooking and baking for others. She instilled in her children the importance of giving back, often having them sit with residents to provide companionship while delivering their baskets of fruit. Her faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of her church community, serving as a pianist at Good Hope F.W.B Church, attending Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and most recently serving as a member on the Mother Board at First Baptist Church of South Los Angeles. She continued to live life as a steward for the Lord. 

In 1961, Juanita married Ivory Milton Butler Sr., and from that union, they were blessed with five children. Ivory Jr. was born a twin, (unfortunately one was stillborn at birth) Daryl, Karen , and Kerry. Later in life, Juanita remarried Clarence Kaigler, in 1988 they enjoyed traveling, laughter, and cooking together. Juanita moved to Moreno Valley three years ago, where she spent her remaining years living with her eldest daughter, Karen. 

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Lucreacy Cockerham Thompson, Her one infant son who was the twin of Ivory Jr.,(he was stillborn) Her Husband: Clarence Kaigler, One sister Ernestine Thompson Torrence, Four Brothers: Freddie Thompson, LT Thompson, Layver Thompson and Elvis Thompson. and One Brother-in-law Philemon Moore. 

She is survived by four of her loving children: Ivory M. Butler Jr. (Maura) of Los Angeles, California (who was the surviving twin), Daryl M. Butler( Tomsine) of Hemet, California , Karen C. Butler-Ajiboye (Michael) of Moreno Valley, California and Kerry M. Butler-Fletcher( Darian) of Laveen, Arizona. Twelve Grand Children: Davieon Robertson, Derrick Butler, Jerrick Butler, Davon Williams, of California, Junae Butler, Denzel Butler of Texas, Britney Theus of Arizona, Nylah Butler of New York, DiJanai Borens of California, Brandon Theus of Arizona, Imani Butler of Louisiana, and Maxwell Butler of New York. Twenty four Great Grand Children: Cameon, Da’Lonni, Dalasia, Datori, D’Arie, D’Abrey, Daraiya, Dalaiya (Robertson) Kaden, Ahnaria (Butler), Eisanie(Glenn), Jashad, Jade, Jace, Journee(Butler), Dasai, Desi (Williams), Pharaoh, Phoenix (Butler) Yahbaruk, Zary’Yah, Naky’Yah, Yahkanuk, Jalen (Borens). Two Great Great Children: Jeremiah and Jayla. Three Sisters: Alvena Moore of Victorville, CA. Winnie(Emmitt)Mcghee of Racine, WI, Virginia (Eric) Isaac of Summit,MS, One Sister-in-law: Stella Thompson of Racine, WI , One Brother-in-law: Charles Torrence of Kenner, LA. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins family and friends.