Juanita was born on July 13, 1922 in Raleigh, NC to Vander Medley and Mollie Poole. She was the seventh of their eight children. By the time she was three, five of her siblings had passed away. In1925, Juanita, her parents, her older sister Clarice and baby brother James migrated to New York City. Christianity was very prevalent in their home and she attended Sunday school at Salem Baptist church and continued to grow spiritually. Throughout her teen years, she participated in many teen and young adult activities. Juanita graduated from Stewart Park High School and was employed by the Westinghouse Electronics Co., for a short period of time.

Just prior to World War II, she met the love of her life, her soul mate, James Campbell. After a short engagement they were married in 1940, making Harlem their home. Their love produced five children whom she dedicated her life to. Although she was an old school disciplinarian, she managed to spoil each one of them in her special way. Her devotion to her family was always apparent in her happy smiling face. Juanita was known throughout the neighborhood as a great cook and often, her house was the host to many, as a comfortable place to eat and enjoy the wisdom and wit of her personality. She never turned anyone away, no matter the hour and her love spilled over to those who met her. Juanita was also a talented seamstress and not only taught herself how to sew but accomplished making her own designs and fashionably dressed her children as well as herself. Eventually she learned how to make drapes, curtains and even mastered reupholstering furniture. Her home reflected her personality, which was bright and happy, rich in color and sometimes daring and forever changing.

Juanita decided in 1960 to pursue a career in nursing and was employed by Jacobi Hospital working in the Rehabilitation Burned Unit, where she not only gave patients physical assistance but spiritual encouragement and hope as well. In 1965, the family moved to Queens, New York, where she continued to be a loving neighbor. The aroma of her fried chicken and her famous peach cobbler caused many on Inwood Street to knock on her door and once again her home became the focal point of noisy happiness. She enjoyed entertaining and hosted many celebrations of marriage receptions and birthday parties in her backyard.

Although she flourished in her position she decided to return home permanently to raise her then two young sons. In 1970, she retired from the hospital but Juanita’s loving nature gave her the desire to help raise other children and she became a Provider Mother for the City of New York, Dept. of Child Welfare. Her duties were to care for the children of parents working or attending school. Often she would extend her hours and include the children she cared for in for dinner with the rest of her household. She always went above and beyond to accommodate even letting the kids stay overnight when needed. This was done without additional pay because she always said, “God said to help your brothers and sisters”. She cared for thirty-seven children during those years. Her giving ways and concern for all living creatures extended to taking in stray cats, dogs and made sure the ones too frighten to come in had provisions. Her heart was as big as her smile. During the 1970’s although a member of St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, Juanita frequently fellowship at Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church with her best friend Edna. She officially joined in 1983. She became an active member of the Alter Guild, Rev. Gitten’s Floral Club, Progressive Club, The Lay Council, the Senior Program, Woman’s Home Mission, the Busy Bee’s, the After School Tutorial Program and life member of the Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. She is affectionately known as the candy Lady and always had a stash of treats in her bag, especially peppermints, her personal favorite.



Sunset:

In April 2014, Juanita was diagnosed with a terminal illness and the family was told she had only six weeks to live. The family’s decision not to tell her of her illness and prayers of many, possibly helped her to outlive the doctors’ prognosis. To the amazement of many she continued to celebrate life to it’s fullest for yet another year entertaining friends, attending cultural functions, and telling witty tales and laughing heartily. She cherished her church family and insisted to be taken to church, especially first Sunday, for communion. Her children, friends and anyone within earshot witnessed Juanita’s love and trust in the Lord. We know that she was ready to rest in His arms and that brought her peace.

On June 11th, 2015 she slipped away to be with her loving husband her parents, siblings and friends. She leaves her children: Clarice (Cookie), Harriet, Thomasina, Charles and Mark, adopted son, Peter, Sons-n-law Billy and Patrick,, daughter n law Jadera, grandchildren, J., Michelle, Kevin, Jerice, Tiara, Kuwon, Chardette, Teo, Sylvester and Torez, grandsons’ n law Lou and Elya. Granddaughters’ n law, Janice and Tamela, Great-grandchildren Shelly, Daquan, Nyesha, Kiara, Malchijah, Caleb, LeAna, Jessyca, Christopher, great great- grands Aniya, Torrez and Uziel and Lauren,, godsons Keith and Vernon, goddaughters Sharon, Joan, Lorna and Simeon and special friends, Aunt Estelle, Bobby and Q and a host of nieces and nephews and friends, to continue to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Juanita Campbell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.