Juanita Tamea Chism was born August 7, 1963, to Wesley Ronald Chism and Audrey Louise Chism in St. Louis (County), Missouri. To this union, she was the youngest of two children, with the oldest being Adrienne Patrice Chism. On August 21, 1976, Audrey married Homer Funstan Ray and to this union there was Kimberly Ann Ray and Lauren Renee’ Ray, making Juanita the second of four daughters. Juanita is preceded in death by her mother, Audrey Louise Ray, and bonus father Homer Funstan Ray.

She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age at First Baptist Church of Webster Groves. Juanita attended both Douglass Elementary and Steger Elementary schools and graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1981. She went on to attend Wilberforce and Central Missouri State (Warrensburg) Universities and later graduated from dental school.

She worked as a dental assistant for several years and then found a new passion in caring for children. Juanita loved working with children of all ages and held positions as teacher and teacher’s assistant at Martha Rounds, Every Child’s Hope, Elaine Rosi Academy for Children, and Christ Church Early Education Center.

Juanita was an active member of First Baptist Church of Webster Groves. She sang in the choir, served on the Trustee ministry, facilitated worship services, served as the Liturgical Coordinator, and served on many other ministries. Juanita was also the secretary for Webster Groves Family and Friends Incorporated and always looked forward to attending the annual alumni activities.

She was quiet, private, and liked to do things her own way, and often her way was the “fun” way. She loved shopping and always wore unique and bold outfits (with shoes and purses to match!). Juanita was known for her many hairstyles and hair colors, preferring the short and sleek look most of the time. It may come as a surprise to some that Juanita loved to eat! She liked to eat a little at a time all day long taking naps in between each small meal. She enjoyed going out to eat but preferred a good home-cooked meal.

Juanita who was also called “Nita,” “Juan,” and “Nee-Nee” loved to attend concerts, travel, and spend time with her family. While she did not cook that often she loved making cheesecake and did not mind cleaning and cooking chitterlings for Thanksgiving. She was active in her community and loved by her friends and neighbors. Juanita was always excited to spend time with her nieces and nephews and would never miss the opportunity to shop for them and attend their special events. She loved to spend quality time with them, especially on the holidays.

Juanita departed this life on January 4, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory, father: Wesley Ronald Chism; sisters: Adrienne Patrice Brown, Kimberly Ann Ray Redus (Leonard Redus Jr.), Lauren Renee’ Ray-Warnke (Johnny Warnke), a god son: Lengthecul Jesse Buford III (Tre), nephews and nieces: Dawn, Bradley, Joshua, Alexia, Brielyn, Gabrielle, Jordynn, Johnny Jr. (JJ), Triston, Jade, great nephews and nieces: Makayla, Ava, Elijah, and Roman. She will be greatly missed by her relatives, church family, and friends.

A Memorial Service for Juanita Tamea Chism will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Webster Groves (House of Living Stone) 3251 South Brentwood Boulevard Webster Groves, Missouri 63119, Pastor Wendell Bonner will officiate. Immediately following the service, a repast will be held at the church in the James Hall.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the Susan G. Komen or your favorite Breast Cancer organization in her memory.

Acknowledgements

The Family of Juanita Tamea Chism wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the prayers, cards, flowers, food/beverages, money, visits, calls, condolences, and other expressions of sympathy extended to them during their hour of bereavement. Special thanks to The Ministry of Jesus Christ at First Baptist Church of Webster Groves ~ The House of Living Stone. Your faithful care and concern for our family have been a living daily testament that our God is an Awesome God. Your words have comforted us, your support has strengthened us, and your love has sustained us. We sincerely thank you from the depths of our hearts.

Special thanks to: St. Louis Cremation, Athene Nursing & Rehabilitation, and The Mercy Hospital and Hospice Teams.