Juanita Smith of Waco passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with Rev. Brandon Frenzel officiating. Burial will follow at Lorena Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.
Juanita Smith was born in Waco, Texas, to Vera Maude Rhea and Cecil Coke Stroud. Growing up she was on the dance team for La Vega Jr. High. At the early age of 16 she met the love her life, Carl Smith, and they married March 15, 1952. They had two children, Gene and Carl Dean. They were very proud of their sons and their accomplishments. They loved spending time with family and friends. Many days were spent at the lake and many nights were spent dancing and just having a good ol’ time. Juanita had many roles during her life. Some but not all were wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and business partner. She was very devoted, working daily with her husband in their business, Carl Smith Auto Repair. She was known to all those who love her as Tuckie, Aunt Tuck, Momma and Mom, Juanita, Ms. Smith, and “E." (Just don’t call her Agnes.)
On Juanita and Carl’s 30th anniversary, their first granddaughter was born. Jennifer was with her "E" almost daily from then on. Later great-grandsons Garrett and Cooper would come along and always be "her boys." Juanita welcomed the addition of bonus grandkids, Philip, Kevin, and Kelly and always loved the times they spent together. Juanita always prioritized family first, and she loved them all so dearly. She would always make sure everybody was taken care of and safe. She always called herself the “worrier of the family."
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Janis and Nancy Sue; her loving husband of 69 years, Carl; and her daughter-in-law, Vickie Smith.
Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Gene and Carl Dean and wife Wanda; granddaughter, Jennifer and husband Ryan; great grandkids, Garrett and Cooper Brockmeier; bonus grandkids Kelly Roarke, Phillip Roarke, Kevin Roarke and wife Mandi and daughter Jadie Jo.
The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice, The Brazos Waco, and her loving nurse, Walter, at Hillcrest for everything they did. Also, thank you to her special friend Opal Matthews for always being a great friend and always being there, and to grandson Ryan Brockmeier for taking care of most everything the last several years.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
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