Juanita Mae Smith

Juanita Mae Smith, 94 ½, passed away on February 6, 2016 in Richland, WA. She was born in Tulsa, OK and was the middle of 7 sisters and brothers.

Juanita’s family grew up during the depression, and for work she picked cotton, fruit and vegetables with her family. At the age of 16, she was crowned Miss Disney and went on to Miss Oklahoma, she became fourth runner up. At the age of 17, she married Omar on Christmas Eve and they were married 52 years before his passing. They never had children of their own, but helped raise many nieces and nephews. Juanita and Omar moved to California, Oregon and then decided to settle in Washington in 1955. Omar had found a job working at the Manhattan Project in Richland, they bought their first home in 1956 from the government and Juanita lived there until 2013 and moved into Guardian Angel Homes.

During the war, Juanita tried working in the munitions plant, but, found she was extremely allergic to the cosmoline; it made her so sick she had to quit. She also worked in a diner for a while during the war. After those jobs, she never worked again.

Juanita was a lifetime member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of VFW, supporting all their fundraisers and special events. She was an accomplished seamstress and made most of her own clothes. Juanita was one you could always turn to if you were in need of help.

Juanita was preceded in death by both of her parents; all six of her siblings; and her husband, Omar. Juanita was the last of her generation and she was super proud that she lived as long as her father who also passed at 94 ½ years of age.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Allen, Shirley, Judy, Janie, Esther, Debra, Barbara, Jack, Dick, Larry and John. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Events at Sunset on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Gardens on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00am. The family invites you to a reception at 12:00pm at Central Untied Protestant Church in Richland.