Juanita Yates (Henderson)was born to the late Arthur and Joan Henderson, a carpenter and a homemaker, in Little Rock AR on March 23, 1952. She was immersed in the Baptist community, attending church and choir that would be her lifelong support from an early age.

She graduated from the high school in 1970 and went on to work as a nurses aide for many years until retirement.

Juanita was blessed with a large and loving family.

She married her best friend John Yates, on August 18,1975 in Pine Bluff, AR. They had 5 beautiful children together, raising them with patience, discipline and humility. She taught them to read, write, pray and put their faith in God, they often took them went on family road trips and enjoyed family reunions yearly.

Juanita was an educator at heart. She loved the Lord and could often be overheard spreading his good name. She was kind and softly spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small.

Juanita is survived by her husband, John; her sons John Jr, Peter and Reginald Yates; her daughters Patricia Yates-Donnelly and Mary Yates-Barney and her brother, Steven Yates. A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her sisters,

Rachel Henderson and Mary Smith; and her parents.