Juanita Ann Hughes, of Rayville, Missouri, unexpectedly left this world on June 11, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.
Juanita was born February 21, 1959, in Lakewood, New Jersey, to Swanson and Janis Brown, who preceded her in death.
Juanita was full of life and very adventurous. She left New Jersey to head to Missouri by herself to attend college at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She majored in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Juanita always wanted to be in law enforcement and became a probation and parole officer for the state of Missouri in January 1990, retiring in 2018.
Juanita met her husband, William “Bill” Hughes on a blind date, and they went on to be married in
February 1989. In those 36 years of being together they had two children, John David Hughes and
Christina Lee (Hughes) Garrett. Juanita loved being a Memaw to her three grandchildren, Kara, Alex, and
Addisen.
She was always the life of the party, and her love of life was contagious. Juanita was an amazing woman who put others before herself. She was a practical joker and never met a stranger. She was onery, energizing, and extraordinarily kind. From concerts to impromptu trips, she was always up for an adventure and fun. Juanita Ann Hughes was beautiful inside and out.
While her time on earth has been abruptly cut short, her family and friends are comforted by the stories and pictures that are being shared. Juanita was loved so big, it’s hard to believe she loved even bigger. Heaven got a beautiful soul that day. If you can do anything to remember her by, remember that the best moments in life are usually random, unplanned, and completely spontaneous.
Juanita did not want a funeral or a visitation. The family will host a large celebration in her honor at a later date this year.
Our Sincere Condolences
It doesn’t seem that long ago when Juanita was in the office and wanted to know if Penny or I knew any single guys and You were mentioned, this was the beginning. After dating for awhile but no mention of marriage, until that dynamite accident and you two decided life was to short and a wedding was planned. I remember getting to the church early to video your special moment. Now you guys knew I was far from being a professional but was told it turned out very good although I have Never seen the video I do not know if you were just being kind and helping me save face, but I will never know since VCR’s are obsolete. No matter how many years flew by you and Juanita always made me feel like family. What a special gift. May the sharing of your memories bring you laughter and peace. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.
Barbara Lewis
I will never forget the energy and enthusiasm Juanita brought to the office when we first met on the job. She was a joy to work with and became a friend. After my own retirement, we often ran into each other and it was always the best time to reconnect and just hug. My sincerest condolences to all of her family and those who had the joy of calling her friend.
Helen Hurley
Devastated to hear this news today! Juanita absolutely was a beautiful person. The kindest, sweetest woman, and quite literally the easiest person to talk to. The world is less of a place without her. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Cayla (Dunaway) Harmon