Juanita L. Gist

Juanita L. Gist left this world on November 14, 2023 at age 92; she lived a beautiful, loving, and dignified life.  A warm and kind woman, she provided love, care, and attention for her family, friends, and students.  A private family service will be held in Heber Springs Arkansas where she will be buried next to her husband and parents as she requested.
She was born to Argus and Myrl Payne Shearer on August 5, 1931 in Newport, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she married Grady Gist in Newport on June 18, 1950.  Together they raised two fine sons, Grady Lynn Jr., and Grant. 
Grady, Juanita, and Grady Lynn Jr. moved to Carlsbad, N.M. in 1954 and Grant was born in Carlsbad in April, 1956.  After her sons were older, Juanita began her journey to become an educator, graduating with a BS in Education from NMSU and later earning her Master’s degree from Western New Mexico University.
Juanita was an excellent teacher, who first taught kindergarten and later mathematics at Monterrey Elementary School for 25 years.  Juanita loved to travel and was a “foodie” who had a passionate relationship with chips and salsa and red chile!
A woman of strong faith, she attended the First Baptist Church where she could be found most mornings walking the perimeter of the Activity Center with her walking partners.   She also enjoyed Christian Woman’s Club and was a faithful member for many years. 
Juanita was pre deceased by her parents and her husband of 62 years, Grady.    She is survived by her sons; Grady Lynn, Jr., Grant and Cindy Anderson; granddaughters; Katie Hale and husband, Mikey, and Kerri Gist; great grandchildren; Justin, Sr., Brandon, and Maggie; great, great grandchildren; Justin Jr., Jameson, and June Rae; her sister of the heart, Johnnie Becker; and Rosie, her beloved fur baby. 
May her laughter, love, kindness, and strength live on forever. 
Should you feel so inclined, you are welcome to make a memorial contribution to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 112 W. Alameda St., Carlsbad, N. M. 88220
Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com