Mother Juanita Louise Lawson Deans of 925 Fifth Avenue, Rochelle, Georgia passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele,  Georgia.  The burial will follow at New Travelers Home Cemetery in Abbeville, Georgia.

Mother Juanita Louise Lawson Deans was born on December 28, 1938 in Rochelle, Georgia. She was the cherished daughter of K. C. Lawson, Sr., and Daisy Mae Lawson. Her early years were spent in education at McCorick Public School in Rochelle, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with learning and growth.

From a young age, Mother embraced her faith, joining the New Travelers Home Baptist Church. Her devotion and commitment led her to become a Deaconess and the church secretary, roles in which she served with grace and diligence. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, deeply enriching her spiritual journey.

She was united in marriage to the late Deacon Willie Davis Deans, with whom she shared a life of love and partnership. Together, they built a family that would grow to become her greatest joy and pride.

Mother Deans had a zest for life and a multitude of interests that brought her happiness. She delighted in puzzle books, and her iPad was a favorite tool for both leisure and learning. Cooking and sewing were among her cherished activities, bringing warmth and creativity to her home. Her love for travel and shopping was matched only by her affection for her collection of purses. Above all, her greatest passion was serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The heart of her life was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world. Her home was filled with laughter and love, sweetened with candy and gum, which she always had on hand to share.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Mother Juanita Louise Lawson Deans  returned to be with the Lord, leaving a legacy of love and faith that will be cherished by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her daughter, Mrs. Connie Deans Dixon, and her brother Mr. Joe Lewis Lawson.

Her memory lives on in the hearts of her daughters: Mrs. Shirley Deans Favor of Quincy, Florida, Mrs. Melinda (William) Griffin of Eastman, Georgia, Mrs. Sylvia (Charles) Smith of Rochelle, Georgia, Ms. Latasha Deans of Warner Robins, Georgia, Ms. Robin Deans of Rochelle,  Georgia and Ms. Jane Deans of Rochelle, Georgia; her sons:  Mr. Dwaine Deans, Sr. of Rochelle, Georgia and Mr. Sacey Deans of Tifton, Georgia; her son-in-law, Mr. Robert Dixon of Rochelle, Georgia; 28 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; her sisters:  Mrs. Francine Dixon, Mrs.  Lizzie Queen Johnson, and Mrs. Jeannett Miller of Rochelle, Georgia, Ms. Linda Lawson and Mrs. Queen (Deacon John) Woodham of  Abbeville, Georgia; her brother, Mr. Kenneth Lawson, Jr. of Abbeville, Georgia; her uncle, Mr. Bud Lawson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends, to include her special friends, Deacon Willie James (Betty) Lawson of Atlanta, Georgia and Mrs. Bernice Tolbert of Rochelle, Georgia.

Mother's life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she touched.