Juanita Bynum
Juanita Matilda Bynum departed this life Tuesday, January 4, 2022. She was born February 6, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to George Dewey and Lillian Walker. She was the youngest of four sisters.
Juanita was educated in the St. Louis school system and graduated from Beaumont High School. Juanita moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1968 to marry Glenn L. Bynum, and raise their children, Dana and Galen. She was a devoted mother, encouraging Dana in both her academic and artistic pursuits. She worked hard to ensure that her son Galen could reach his full potential by making sure he received the best special education and extracurricular activities.
She was a loyal and faithful member of both Christ the Mediator Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St Louis MO. She enjoyed serving coffee hour, participating in talent shows, and loved the fellowship of the women in her Bible Study group. Juanita was a people person who never met a stranger. Her gentle spirit and soft voice touched and comforted many.
Juanita was an advocate for special education, often supporting teachers, students, and families. She participated in the Parent Teacher Association at her son’s special education school, organizing events, fundraising, and advocating for teacher support and salary increase. Juanita once appeared on a local news station as she supported the teachers’ fight for better support and pay.
Though soft in nature Juanita was a lioness when advocating for the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Juanita enjoyed working with seniors. For over twenty years she worked for the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church as the Administrative Assistant for the Centennial Park Apartments and Hylton Point Apartments, in St. Louis, MO. There she once again served as an advocate supporting the needs of others by planning activities and caring for the residents.
Juanita had great taste in clothing and could easily have been a personal shopper. She loved music, going to the theater, and traveling, especially on Mother-Daughter trips with Dana. As Juanita got older, she developed a love for dogs, and had a special love for her fur babies Yoda and Bella.
Juanita will also be missed for her sense of humor which often caused Dana to dissolve into hysterical laughter. She is survived by her loving children, Dana R. Bynum of Laurel, MD and Galen Bynum of Justice, IL; former husband, Glenn Bynum, of River Forest, IL; sister, Vivian Weathersby of St Louis, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Juanita on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, located at 6337 Clayton Road, Clayton, MO, 63117. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Coletta’s of Illinois or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
Aunt Juanita was always my encourager,sometimes even my strength,her soft spoken voice & strong soul always got the best of me,auntie me you & Dottie never got chance to do out sleep over before you went home to glory,until we meet again rest in heavenly peace,Love You Aunt Juanita,” Your Niece Kat”
So happy to have had the pleasure of meeting Juanita through Leatrice Damus. She was a lovely woman whose presence I enjoyed. May she have eternal rest.
Met Juanita through Lee. Ever since we bonded She was a remarkable lady. Loving caring generous I visited her every time I went to St. Louis and kept in touch with her. She loved her children and was dear to all her friends and family. She will be missed. May she Rest In Peace.
Fond memories reflect Aunt Juanita’s love, nurture, and sincerity of heart. Time with her was always special, and she made me feel valued, cared for, and invested into my heart. I love and miss her, as well as rejoice, as I sensed her “reach” toward her Saviour!
“..but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14
We will celebrate the life of my dear and beautiful sister friend of more than 50years,
We will celebrate her kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness and courage. Juanita was an advocate for special education, and I watched her tackle the bureaucracy and go past obstacles to find support and resources for her family and others. She was an extraordinary, unforgettable, awe inspiring person. She will continue to be an inspiration through many memories, I shall call upon. We miss you💔💙
My heartfelt condolences to the Bynum family I am very very sorry for your loss Miss Juanita Bynum was a beautiful person for the few times that I met her and from what her daughter have told me she will be greatly missed God bless the entire family
Tee-Tee in my eyes your my Hero! Your ❤️ so genuine. You were always there to listen and give encouragement. Tee-Tee I think of you daily. I know in my ❤️ you wanted the best for me. You put yourself last. I will always remember our sayings we had for one another. No one knows our story and I Love you, I Love you more more, more. Tee-Tee your spirit is all over my home and Bella is doing well like you said she would. I miss you so much. S.I.P.
Love your great niece Dottie
Aunt Juanita –
Your gentle smile will be remembered and missed. In the outstretched arms of God, may your soul rest in perfect peace.
Love, Angie
I am so pained that this woman of God has gone home to be with the Lord. I just recently rediscovered her and been watching her ministrations. She is truly remarkable and impactful. May her soul continue to rest in peace till we meet @ the feet of Jesus on the resurrection morning