Mary Juanita Dingler died peacefully on February 15th at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Wilbur F. Dingler, in 2001. She was born July 20, 1924 in Baxter, Tennessee and spent the majority of her life in Montgomery.
Juanita was united in marriage to Wilbur on January 10, 1946 in Rossville, (Walker County) Georgia. Wilbur was honorably retired from service in the United States Air Force, a career that took the couple across the globe during his various assignments before settling in Montgomery.
Juanita was known for her quick wit, her colorful wardrobe and an enjoyment of dancing. Her southern charm and graciousness was appreciated by all who knew her, and she loved to travel and compete in a friendly game of bridge or bingo.
Although she and Wilbur did not have children, she was beloved by the children of those who were closest to her as if she were a member of the family. She spent the last year being lovingly cared for by the staff of John Knox Manor II, having previously resided for many years at Oak Grove Inn where she was well-known by her fellow residents. Previously, Juanita and Wilbur were long-time residents of the Dalraida community.
Her impaired vision in her later years limited many of her social activities, but it didn’t slow her down. She was constantly listening to books on tape from the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind, and was regularly given sermons from Eastern Hills Baptist Church where she had previously attended. She also had a love for her Tennessee heritage and an affinity for classic country music.
Juanita was the lone daughter of her parents, Joseph Barlow Brown and Edna Pearl Enlow Brown, and she had a younger brother, Joseph Enlow Brown, who died in infancy when she was ten years old. She was also predeceased by three half-sisters: Beulah Brown Gaylor (1907-2000) of Oregon, Audie Brown Tidwell (1911-2004) of Washington and Lillian Brown Chard (1915-2006) of South Carolina; and three half-brothers: Ernest Brown (1904-1994), Virgil Brown (1900-1990), and Estel Brown (1902-1989).
Her arrangements are being handled by White Chapel Greenwood. There will be a graveside service on February 24th at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Serenity Gardens where social distancing measures will be observed.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts in her honor are asked to send them to Eastern Hills Baptist Church Homebound Ministry, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109 or to the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind, 6030 Monticello Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WhiteChapel-GreenwoodFH.com for the Dingler family.
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