Juanita Hardin Clanton

Born on October 13th, 1957 to the late Rosemary Hathaway Hardin and late William Kenneth Hardin she left an impression on anyone who was around. The oldest of 6, she was naturally headstrong, a selfless protector and a fierce lover of her family. She would describe herself growing up as “sweet as pie”, but her siblings may say otherwise.

Juanita would always keep you on your toes with her humor and wit. She also loved a good vacation to the mountains or beach. But be warned, if you were planning on going anywhere with her, you’d better be ready 30 minutes before she told you to be because patience was not her strong suit.

Juanita was a “Jill of all trades” and would always step up to be the photographer, the caterer, the decorator, or the coordinator for any event. Many times she would volunteer to fill all of these roles at once. If you didn’t find Juanita holding a camera, you would find her holding a baby. The role of Mother to her two sons and Gigi to her 4 grandbabies were titles she wore proudly and told everyone about. One of her favorite pastimes was loading all of them up on her golf cart and riding them in the woods behind her house. She was a very present Grandmother and enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons attending church together at Cornerstone Tabernacle in Oakwood, GA.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Clanton was also proceeded in death by her brother Kenneth Ray Hardin.

Mrs. Clanton is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Kenny Clanton; her sons, Shane (Brittany) Clanton and Sammy Clanton; her siblings: Kevin Hardin, Wanda (Don) Hall, John (Jennifer) Hardin, and Bryan (Correen) Hardin; grandchildren: Callie Brown, Melody, Makenna, and Miles Clanton; and “honorary sons” Caleb and Joshua Ward. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and children who knew her and loved her as a Gigi.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00pm until 6:00pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow at 6:00pm in Smith Memory Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to Cornerstone Tabernacle in Oakwood, GA.