Juanita G. Hart

Juanita Grey (Smith) Hart 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday May 23, 2015 in Lakeland, FL. She was born August 7, 1922 in Hazel, KY to Henry Manley Smith and Mary Etta Smith. She was employed as a waitress and hostess at various restaurants in Paris, TN. Those included Shoney’s, Kay’s Steak House, The Coffee Cup and Paris Landing State Park. She was an active member of Bird’s Creek Baptist Church in Paris until she retired to Lakeland, FL in 2006. She was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings’, Clifford Smith, of Avon Park, FL, Roberta Goodman and Hilbert Smith of Lakeland, FL son Danny Gordon Hart and grandson, Nicholas Hart of Paris, TN. Juanita, better known as Nita or Neet to her friends, family and Nanny by her grandchildren. She leaves behind, her beloved children; Janice Henderson (Russell) of Moore Haven, FL Patricia Johnson (Billy) of Moncks Corner, SC and Barbara Flood of Lakeland, FL; Her treasured grandchildren; Darrell Henderson (Gail) of Moore Haven, FL, Sherri Fleming (Ross) of Moore Haven, FL, Sharyn Henderson of Miami, FL, Gary Johnson (Lori) of Moncks Corner, SC, Kelli Veronee (Hal) Goldsboro, NC, Aubrey Williams and Miranda Flood of Lakeland, FL, Danielle (Matthew) Doogan of Paris, TN; sixteen great grandchildren and twelve great- great grandchildren. One of these Juan Torres of Lakeland, FL was especially close to Nanny and visited her often. Nothing made her happier than to be surrounded by family, especially when she cooked for them. She made an awesome coconut cream pie. She was a very compassionate person. Often helping others without thinking of her own needs. She loved God’s creatures and many times would find one injured and nurse them back to health. She loved her church, reading her Bible and writing inspirational songs. She helped shape many family members Christian lives by the example she set. They will be eternally grateful. She believed in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love, and the beauty and peace that would await her after her passing. She will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home Serenity Gardens, 3350 Mall Hill Dr. Lakeland, FL 33810 on Saturday June 27, 2015 at 11:00 am with Pastor Tim Blackburn of Victory Church, Lakeland, FL officiating.

Juanita G. Hart

August 7, 1922 - May 23, 2015