Juanita E. Smith

Juanita E. smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 25, 1955.  After a brief illness, on August 3, 2023, at the age of 68, she peacefully transitioned.  Juanita was the daughter of Rebecca Magwood Sessoms and “Junior” Smith.  She was the mother of three children, Renay Smith (Daughter), Mazon Kelly (Son), and Sean Smith (son).  She was also a loving sister to four sisters and six brothers.

Juanita was an outstanding mother, leader, provider, protector, and educator.  While pregnant with her first child, Sean, she graduated from Lake Clifton High School.  Juanita did not allow challenges in life to keep her from pursuing a higher level of education.  She persevered, and graduated for the famed Sojourner Dougals College in Baltimore, MD.  Juanita’s major at Sojourner Douglas was Early Childhood Education where for 37 years, she taught youth from both the east & west sides of Baltimore City.  In her earlier years, Juanita also served as a bartender where she would take the opportunity to remind parents that, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Juanita found her purpose in helping Baltimoreans of all ages find their purpose.

Juanita loved cooking, dancing, music, children, social gatherings, and her church family at New David Baptist.  She eventually gave up bartending and dedicated her life to serving the Lord.   She was a committed member of New David Baptist for over 30 years.  Juanita willingly devoted her time and efforts by serving on various ministries. i.e, Deacon Board, Nurse, Christian Education Instructor, and Usher’s Ministry.  As a loyal, caring, advisory, and selfless person, Juanita has many family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Juanita leaves to cherish:  Renay Smith, daughter, Mazon Kelly (son), Grandchildren, Josh Robertson, Joi Davenport, and Jerrard Davenport; brothers, Richard Mason, Rodney Sessoms, Reginald Mason, Antonio Weems, and sister Anita Bell; nieces, Kiva Tisdale, Dajour Harrison, Cheryl “Tracy” Williams, and ; Nephews, Mark and Maurice Mason, Gary, Algernon, Javaris and  Goddaughter Latisha Condrey , Godson, Devin Harrison, best friends, Joette Cooper, Darlene Swain, Karen Coleman and a host of other relatives and friends.

Juanita was preceded in death by her mother, Magwood Sessoms, father, “Junior” Smith, Son, Sean Smith, 2 brothers, Ernest Champ Smith, and James (Reds) Sessoms; 3 sister, Vanessa Sessoms, Linda Smith, and Michelle Mason; Nieces, Melinda Kimbrow, Nephew, Miguel Mason, Myron, Nate and Nathaniel Couser, (father of son) Alan Kelly.