Juanita Smith

April 29, 1930 - December 29, 2021

Juanita (Sowders) Smith, 91, of Waverly, was called to peacefully pass while sleeping and awoke in heaven on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. She was born on April 29, 1930, in Barbourville, Kentucky, to the late Roy, Sr. and Rosa Merida Sowders. Raised near the Cumberland Gap, Juanita went to school in Knox County. The only daughter born to stand shoulder to shoulder with her mother and help to move the herd of five brothers, she learned to wash dishes standing on a wooden box, at the tender age of 3. Entering the union of marriage at the ripe age of 17, George Isaac Smith and Juanita were a match made in heaven, and settled in to claim home in central Indiana, where they completed their family with five children who attended school in Mooresville. Seasoned by the blade of experience, she was sharp to stand with an unshakable strength and grounding of faith. Able to prepare a feast and feed an army, she knew her way around the kitchen and was known to work the garden and tend to her plants too. A selfless matriarch and tireless mother, she was confidant, independent, and a powerful force that everyone respected. Unwavering in her faith, Mr. Smith helped build the Shelby Street Pentecostal Lighthouse where Juanita faithfully attended. Independently certain and confident of her stance, she had no problem disciplining the children when she felt it was needed. Known for raising kids, feeding people and watching babies, Juanita grew soft in her older age and the grandbabies are what did it. Resilient to go into prayer and fearless to engage in hard labor, Juanita's love was unconditional and her devotion to serve God, family, church and children of all ages was a testament of her worth. A life lived with purpose; may her memory forever remain with all of whom she loved. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Isaac Smith and four brothers. Survivors include her children, George Smith, Jr. (wife, Judy) of Greenwood, Charlie Smith (wife, Kathleen) of Martinsville, Bonnie Sue Ralls (Richard) of Greenwood, Ronnie Lee Smith (Pamela) of Pleasant View, and Samuel “Scotty” Smith (wife, Angela) of Waverly; brothers, B.P. and Roy, Jr. Sowders both of Barbourville, Kentucky; 15 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 21 great great grandchildren; and a host of loving extended family members, fellow church members, friends and acquaintances. Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Juanita's Life on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, where visitation will be held prior to services on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, with calling held from 11 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Service begins promptly at 2pm. Pastor Mark Wright will officiate the services and burial will follow in West Newton Cemetery. To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, or order a sympathy gift to be present for services search @MonroviaFuneralHome on social media or visit her tribute at www.lightmemorial.com