Juanita Louise Lawrence of Philadelphia passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 80.

Juanita was born in Accomack County, VA on December 5, 1943, to the late Ace Lee Smith and the late Sarah Bell. The family moved to North Philadelphia when she was a young girl where she grew up with her siblings the late Ethel Sarah Ward-Tate, Bernice Mail, James Smith, and Barry Smith. Juanita attended Simon-Gratz High School with her siblings, graduated and soon after married Millard Lawrence in 1963. They were the proud parents of 5 children, Millard Lawrence Jr., Steven Norman Lawrence, David Lawrence, Alexandra Anita Williams, and Juanita Lee Lawrence.

Juanita was known to be a very kind grandmother who loved her grandchildren deeply. Her grandchildren include to the late Steven Lawrence, Jr, Tamesha Lawrence, Iseal Lawrence, Deanna Lawrence, Tarren Lawrence, Austin Lawrence, Jessica Murray, Monique Murray, Arleneno Short (CJ), and Arlene Short. She is also a great-grandmother of six wonderful children.

Juanita will be known for her straightforward response to any question because of her ability to read the room and effectively communicate her desires. Given Juanita's sense of humor, she would tell you what she is thinking without your need to guess. To say it simply, "she was not short on words" but she was a joy to be around, and she would keep you laughing for hours on end.

Her favorite prayer was: The Lord's Prayer and we hope that you all can say a prayer in her honor.

Thank you all for your wonderful words of kindness, sharing your deepest sympathy and prayers for Juanita and our family. We truly appreciate it!