Juanita Caroline Johnson

She was born on April 18, 1950, in New London, the daughter of William M. Darrow, II, and Mary Darrow.

Nita was a strong, hardworking, and devoted woman who spent much of her life working hard while raising and providing for her two daughters. She took great pride in caring for her family and always did her best to make sure the people she loved had what they needed. Nita worked for the Town of Groton for many years until her retirement, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Later in life, Nita met Butch Johnson. The two fell in love and married, beginning another special chapter of her life together. Through everything, family remained at the center of Nita’s life.

Her faith was very important to her. Nita faithfully attended church every Sunday, and her faith was a meaningful part of the way she lived her life and cared for the people around her.

Nita especially treasured her grandchildren, Nicole Caisse and Rebekah Kenyon, and was predeceased by her granddaughter Jaclyn Smith. They held a very special place in her heart, and she loved being a grandmother and watching them grow and build lives and families of their own.

As the family continued to grow, Nita found even more happiness in her great-grandchildren, Isabel, Brandon Jr., and Sophia. She loved spending time with them and cherished the moments they shared. Being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy and gave her many memories that she treasured.

Nita enjoyed the simple things that brought her family together—sharing meals, celebrating holidays and special occasions, making things for those she loved, and simply spending time together. She was proud of the family she helped build and loved seeing it continue to grow through the generations.

Nita will be remembered for her hardworking nature, her strength, her faith, and above all, her tremendous love for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love, traditions, lessons, and memories she leaves behind will continue to live on through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Juanita is survived by her daughters Renee Smith and her husband Robert of Ledyard and Janet Pilkus of New London; her brother Ronald Raines of Mystic; and sisters Tony Simpson of New Jersey and Diane Darrow of Montville. Her Grandchildren Nicole Caisse, Rebekah Kenyon and her husband Jordon; and her great grandchildren Isabel , Brandon JR and Sophia. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her granddaughter Jaclyn Smith. Her family would like to give special thank you to Jimmy Hall for being there and everything he did for Nita.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 21st from 6-8pm at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 10am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London.