Juanita Murray Smith

did not graduate initially, she went back to school later and received her GED. She worked for a local family and shared her income with her mother, who at that time was raising a growing family on her own. Juanita's generosity helped to provide much needed financial assistance that ensured the care and support for additional family members. Juanita was a beautiful and charismatic young lady and was fortunate to have two loving men come into her life. At an early age she met and married David Harris. From this union two wonderful children were born. A son, Dave “Donnie” Harris and a daughter, Mara “Montie” Harris. Later she met and married Johnnie Will Smith and they, along with Dave and Mara, relocated to Los Angeles, California. On February 6, 1966 Juanita gave birth to her third child, a son, John Bryant Smith, now known as John Hope Bryant. Both Dave Harris and Johnnie Will Smith preceded Juanita in death. During her time in California, Juanita was employed by McDonnell-Douglas, later acquired by Boeing, as an Equipment Operator and Seamstress where she remained for forty-two years. In addition to that Juanita also operated side businesses as a seamstress and cook. She would make clothes not only for her children but also for neighbors. She would prepare and sell food to other co-workers and managers alike who just loved her great cooking. This was her true first introduction to financial literacy. Juanita traveled nearly an hour each way to work each day, often working fifty hours or more each week to provide for her family. Juanita was also a business owner with her husband Johnnie. Together, they owned a Shell gas station and a nine-unit apartment building. They also owned a construction and childcare business. Juanita managed the financial components of all the businesses.

Having an outstanding zest for life, Juanita spent much of her time entertaining her young family. She was a strict disciplinarian and insisted that her children be dedicated to their education. When time permitted, she would volunteer at their schools, which also allowed her to keep a keen eye on each of them. Juanita enthusiastically spent cherished time with her family and friends who were awed by the zealous way she performed in her golden years. Juanita was active up until her illness. Even then she remained very vocal, sincere and passionate when it came to her family. She cherished her grand and great grandchildren. She often reflected on her incredible life and all the places that she was fortunate to have visited thanks to her son John. She had the sincere honor and pleasure of meeting presidents and other dignitaries around the world such as Bishop Desmond Tutu. Juanita was also preceded in death by three sisters, Estella Smith, Faye Sims, Lessie Stanley and one brother, Elquie "Uncle Buddy" Murray and she is survived by three sisters, Essie Harris, Emma Triplett and Deborah Perryman as well as by her three children Dave "Donnie" Harris (Annette), Mara “Montie” Lamont Wright (Neville) and John Hope Bryant (Chaitra), three grandchildren, Adam Miller, Tiffani Attieri and Deon Harris, two great grandchildren, Lydia Miller and Ezekiel Miller and a host of nieces, nephews and countless dear friends.