San Juanita will be remembered as a faithful woman whose life reflected steady devotion and care for others. A pastor’s wife and faithful Christian, she found purpose in serving—through the work of her hands and the warmth of her home.
A gifted seamstress and diligent homemaker, she took pride in housekeeping and in taking care of the babies in her family, offering dependable support that was a lifelong comfort.. She especially loved cooking for everyone, sharing meals—often her cherished Mexican food—as a simple, generous way of bringing people together.
She also found joy outdoors, tending to her beautiful garden of plants and colorful flowers. “I love working under the sun,” she would say, and she lived that sentiment with an active spirit. Her creativity showed in the Raggedy Ann dolls she made and in the small treasures she collected—rocks and other little finds that she would paint and decorate with funny faces that family will long remember. She enjoyed Goodwill shopping, and she created welcoming spaces at home, including multiple sitting areas where she could read her Bible.
Those closest to her will also remember the distinctive way she traveled: whether driving or riding as a passenger, she preferred to avoid highways, and a short trip could sometimes become an hour-long journey. She shared stories of her childhood and the many jobs she held, including working in the fields picking cotton; she also sewed dresses for her daughter, Crystal.
San Juanita was preceded in death by her mother, Maria Gutierrez; her brother, Ramiro Maltos; and her husband, Jackie Vernon.
She is survived by her siblings Federico Nira, Flavio Nira, and Margie Bustillos; her children Jesse Vernon and spouse Belinda Vernon, and Crystal Almaraz and spouse Michelle Almaraz; her grandchildren Justin Vernon, Priscilla Wolford, Jacob Brien, Vanessa Vernon, and Isaiah Njiru; and her great-grandchildren Jeremiah Wolford, Madeleine Wolford, Andrew Wolford, and Samuel Vernon.
Her faithful life, marked by devotion, service, and comfort, will be remembered with deep love and gratitude.
Services are in care of Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238. A visitation will take place on September 21, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Her life will be celebrated the next day, September 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM, after which she will be laid to rest with her husband at San Fernando Cemetery II.
