It is with deepest sadness we announce the passing of Juanita Wells (nee Mason) of Detroit, peacefully at Arden Court Memory Care Community of Sterling Heights. Juanita is survived by her beloved daughter Georgeanna and daughter-in-law Julie Leadbetter, by sisters Pauline Kennebrew and Donna Stovall, and predeceased by brother James Mason. She is also survived by numerous dear nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends – she was “Aunt Juanita” to more than can be counted. She was lovingly cared for by Kim, Tasha, Barbara and many others.
Juanita was a devoted member of Central United Methodist Church in Detroit, and of the Fellowship of All Peoples; a fearless Christian and long-standing advocate for social justice. She had been a long time member of the Cherboneau Cooperative and was retired from the Detroit Board of Education. She also supported the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), the SPLC (Southern Poverty Law Center), many initiatives of Central Methodist as well as numerous civic and artistic organizations. She loved to help others, was infinitely warm and generous and always had a beautiful smile and kind words for anyone lucky enough to cross her path.
As per her wishes, Juanita was a bequest to the Wayne State University Medical School. Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 23 E. Adams, Detroit, 48226, across the street from Comerica Park at 10 am, Friday December 1. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to Central United Methodist Church, the ACLU or the SPLC in her name.