Juanita Crowell

Juanita was born on January 21, 1941 in Toomsuba, Mississippi to the union the late Wonnie “Sonny Boy” Harris Sr, and Sallie Brewster Harris.  Juanita is one of sixteen children that was born to this union.  She was often referred to as “Sug” because of her sweet and kind disposition.

She completed her formal education at Lamar High School in 1957.  Shortly afterwards, in November 1960, she met her soul mate Otis Crowell and they were happily married for 39 years.  From this union, one child was born.

Juanita was a bright, confident, and versatile woman, who was not shy of assisting the community.  She fulfilled her late husband, Otis Crowell Sr.’s, position as Road Commissioner of Choctaw County District 2 for two years while being employed at Naheola Georgia Pacific Plant for 32 years and was able to retire in 2005.  Juanita also volunteered and held the position as a committee member for the Lisman Christmas and Annual MLK Day parades, dinners, as well as fundraising for Relay for Life and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Ezell Chapter 380.

Juanita, at an early age, confessed her hope in Christ and united with Little Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Toomsuba, Mississippi.  She later joined Greater First Missionary Baptist Church with her husband after relocating to Lisman, AL.  She was a faithful and devoted adherent member of the Greater First Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Trustee, a matron, choir member and as Treasurer.  She loved to sing in the choir and did so with grace.  Her favorite song to lead was, “Going Up Yonder”.  Her studies, attendance, prayers, and service could only surface her true love for Jesus and how proud she was to be a child of God.

Juanita’s favorite pastime besides church was gardening.  Her home flourished with beautiful ferns, bushes of flowers and was always stocked with fresh vegetables.  The orange tree that bears “lemons” in her yard always kept people coming! Juanita was always a well-put-together woman.  Her stylishness and flair was some of the known characteristics of her.  She always kept her blonde hair, red nails, and makeup done and had an immense love for the finer things in life including glamorous home renovations.

On the early morning of December 26, 2021, after witnessing her favorite holiday once more, Juanita Crowell spread her wings and peacefully left this world with her family by her bedside.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wonnie and Sallie Harris; spouse, Otis Crowell, Sr.; four sisters, Louise Harris, Annie Mae Liddell, Rosie Rodgers, Laurice Tanksley; seven brothers:  Wonnie Harris Jr., Stanley Harris, Eddie B. Smith, Eugene Smith, Kevin Harris, Jerry Harris, and Willie C. Yearell.

Her legacy lives on with her two sons, Odis (Shelita) Crowell Jr. of Butler, AL, Terry Curtis of Mobile, AL,; One Daughter, Francine Perryman of Mobile, AL; two granddaughters, Odyssey and Journey Crowell of Butler, AL; five sisters, Berniece Carter of Chicago, IL, Vera Wilson of Palmdale, CA, Emma Smith, Minister Cora Cole, and Ether Jean Davis all of Toomsuba, MS, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends that cherished her dearly.