Juanita Gwendolyn McMurrain McDuffie went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior December 4, 2020.  She was the loving and devoted wife of Frederick "Fred" Sherwood McDuffie who preceded her in death on February 12, 1984.  Fred and Juanita were blessed to have 39 years of marriage together.

Juanita was born on December 26, 1923 to J.T. and Lucile McMurrain. She spent her early years in Enigma, Georgia with her parents, younger brother, Nelson, and sister, Adelaide, who preceded her in death in 1925.  In 1939 the family moved to a little town in southeast Florida, Delray Beach. Her father eventually opened a grocery store on Atlantic Avenue and Juanita attended Delray Beach High School which is now the historic Old School Square. Juanita's first job was at J. B. Smith Jewelers, where she began her love of silver bangles which adorned her arm until her death. During that time she met and fell in love with a young Marine she later married in 1945 at the end of World War II.

In 1946 their first child was born, Nelson "Woodie" Sherwood followed by a second son, Dale Thomas, in 1950. A few years later she served as the Director of Little Friends Kindergarten at First Baptist Church of Delray. When Dale reached age 12, she started cosmetology school in West Palm Beach and eventually opened a hair salon, Nita's Beauty Salon. In 1967 the family became charter members of Lakeview Baptist Church and Juanita sang in the choir.  By this time, she had moved her beauty shop to Federal Highway in Delray Beach where she worked her magic on many ladies' tresses until she moved to Ocala, Florida early in 1988. During her years in Delray, she took much delight in cooking, canning, arts, crafts and some gardening. She made the best homemade hot pepper sauce with peppers she grew herself.

Her greatest joy was when she was with family, friends and celebrating her faith. She took every opportunity to attend all church activities and be with those she loved. Every Sunday after church the family fellowshipped together over a Southern feast at Granny and Grandad's house. Juanita loved southern cooking and southern food.  Other favored events with family or friends included going to fun dinners like Sid and Roxy's Green Turtle Inn down in the Keys, occasionally doing ceramics, taking trips and, when younger, if there was ever an opportunity to ride a roller coaster, she was at the front of the line.

As she grew older, a move to Lifecare Center of Ocala became necessary.  Juanita never stopped her acts of kindness to others.  She always had a listening ear and was eager to encourage those whose spirits were down. She cared about others and served as President to the association of the residents at the nursing home being their advocate, holding and running meetings insuring all their needs were being met.  Most recently, she scooted around in her wheelchair taking little goodie bags of Halloween candy to give to each resident in the nursing home. She was a ray of sunshine that lit up a room when she wheeled in and it gave her great pleasure to make others happy.   She was a favorite amongst the staff, residents, and a blessing to all – especially her family.

Juanita is survived by her two sons, Nelson "Woodie" (Cindy) McDuffie of Delray Beach, FL; Dale (Barbara) McDuffie of Ocala, FL;  four grandchildren:  Tommy (Michelle) McDuffie of West Palm Beach, FL; Brian McDuffie of Delray Beach, FL; Colt (Kristyn) McDuffie of Lake Worth, FL; and Danielle McDuffie of Delray Beach, FL.; and five great-grandchildren: Casey McDuffie of Lake Worth, FL; Jack and Connor McDuffie of Delray Beach, FL; and Brayden and Graysen McDuffie of Lake Worth, FL as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Juanita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, James Thomas (JT) and Ida Lucile (Dean) McMurrain, her sister, Adelaide, and brother, Nelson.

Friends may call on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 10:00AM to 11:00 AM at the Lakeview Baptist Church, 2599 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach with a 11:00 AM funeral service.  Interment will follow at the Delray Beach Cemetery.