Mrs. Juanita K. December departed this life on June 16, 2016 at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York. She was born on November 5, 1946 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Mr. William and Mrs. Bessie Kelly and was the granddaughter of the late Mrs. Sarah Pollins Williams. Juanita was educated in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and graduated from Solomon Charles Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia. She accepted her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at New Moon Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia by the late Rev Bailey. Later in her young adult life, she joined Staten Island Tabernacle of Prayer in Staten Island, New York under the pastoral leadership of the late Moses Robinson where she was a faithful and dutiful member.

She attended Savannah-Technical School now known as Savannah-Technical College in the cosmetology program. Later in her teens, Juanita moved to New York to be closer to her family members where she further her education at Bailey Seton Hospital nurse assistant program in Staten Island, New York and was gainful employed upon graduating from the program.

She was an entrepreneur of Nita’s Restaurant in Staten Island, New York.
Juanita was joined in Holy Matrimony to Sheftan December in Staten Island, New York.

She was a loving and caring individual. She was affectionately called “butterfly”, “lovie” and “precious” by her family members. Juanita always made time to care for others. She loved her family, friends and church members.

She received several awards and honors over the years in her life -Valedictorian of Tabernacle Bible Institute and Most Outstanding General Bible Student.

Juanita leaves to cherish her memories: a step-son, Fred Pipkins of Staten Island, New York; two brothers: Charles(Verna) Contreras of Miami, Florida and James(Mary) of Savannah, Georgia; two loving sisters: Kathleen(James) Rucker of Jamaica, New York and Christina K. Folsome of Savannah, Georgia; two favorite nephews: Theron Rucker of Jamaica, New York and Randal (MinJung) Rucker of South Korea; a host of nieces, grand-nieces, great grand-nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, great grand-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Two very special friends, Brenda of Staten Island, New York and Cleopatra of Alabama.

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