Juanita Crosby, 85 departed this life peacefully on October 28, 2018 at Village Shalom Memory Care in Overland Park, KS.

Juanita was born in Mobile, Alabama on November 20, 1932. "Nicey", as she was affectionately known by family, was the second of three children born to her parents Lewis Johnson, Sr. and Estie Harris.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Johnson, Sr., Estie Johnson and step mother, Rebecca Johnson, her brother, Lewis Johnson Jr. and sister, Vivian Black.

Juanita was educated in the public school and graduated from Dunbar High School in Mobile, AL. She later met the love of her life, Willie Frank Crosby at the age of 19, where they later married and moved to Kansas City, MO in 1952. The marriage later dissolved after twelve years. However, to this union two children were born; Kathy and Blondell. Juanita was also blessed to give birth to a son, Dwight, later in life.

As a young woman, Juanita always had a great sense of fashion, style, a flair for hosting, entertaining and she was a great cook.

Juanita also had a wonderful personality which landed her several good employment opportunities such as Macy's Department Store, Colgate Palmolive Company, and Rival Manufacturing where she served as Union Steward. Juanita loved her children dearly and as a single parent for many years, worked two jobs to help support her family.

Juanita also believed in working hard not only through employment, but also in the neighborhood she resided in. When crime was running rampant she decided to devote her time as a neighborhood organizer to help form Garfield Neighbors Block Club for the 5100 block of Garfield Avenue in 1982. She also raised funds for the Ad Hoc Group against Crime and served on the 1993 Crime Prevention Advisory Board.

While doing this, Juanita developed a fascination with politics and started helping some of Kansas City's Democrats and Republicans raise funds for their campaigns. She hosted fund raising parties in her home in 1982 for Congressman-Elect Alan Wheat for Missouri US House of Representative and others. In 1992 Juanita was chosen to attend the Republican National Convention was one of her proudest moments.

Juanita accepted Christ at an early age, where she was baptized in the river. She attended Aimwell Baptist Church in Mobile, AL and served as an usher until her move to Kansas City. While in Kansas City, Juanita joined and attended several Baptist churches, but later decided to join St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church.

Juanita always instilled in her children to love and worship the Lord, display good work ethics, good moral standards and integrity. Her love for the Lord helped her endure a few hardships in her life, but as a survivor, the Lord blessed and she prevailed.

Juanita had a caring and compassionate side to her which she displayed with visiting the sick and shut-in. She also was an occasional care taker to friends and family dealing with illness. Even through her own illness with dementia she loved to check on old friends to let them know she cared.

Until her illness in July, Juanita was still considered a fun and vivacious person who loved to think of others, loved her family and friends and occasionally even loved to dance while listening to a good Motown beat.

To cherish her loving memories she leaves behind two daughters, Kathy Perkins and Blondell Beard (Laurence), one son Dwight Crosby, one grandson, Lawrence Beard (Kara), two great- granddaughters, Elliana Beard, Olivia Beard and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

A celebration of life memorial service will be Saturday, November 3, 11:00 am at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.