In Memory
Juanita Kay (Steele) Terry
Sunrise November 11, 1953
Sunset March 22, 2023
Juanita Kay Terry born to Lottie Mae and William Dwyane Steele on November 11th, 1953, in
South Bend, Indiana where she was born and raised. She received her early education at Oliver
Elementary, Whitcomb Riley High School, and excelled at some college which helped her to
pursue a career in both the Hospitality and Nursing fields.
After living a fulfilling life, Juanita retired as a widow in Denver, CO, where she spent her final days. Juanita was a remarkable woman who lived her life with grace, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God.
Juanita was a loving mother to her two children, Cornelius Lee and Lanese Thomas-Martin, and
raised them with devotion and affection in South Bend, IN before relocating to Colorado in
1985. Juanita found fulfillment in her role as a mother, taking pride in the values and morals she
instilled in her children. She ensured that they remained connected to their faith and participated
in various activities. Her aspiration was for them to reach their full potential and become
independent individuals. In the evenings, growing up Juanita would take her children on
leisurely walks and enjoyed shopping with them. Her love for her children was evident in every
aspect of her motherhood.
In a small and intimate ceremony in Denver, Colorado on April 8th, 2008, Juanita pledged her
love and faithfulness to John Terry. Over the course of fourteen years, Juanita remained a
faithful and committed partner to John, and together they shared a deep and abiding love while
embracing the simple pleasures of life in their small town of Kersey, Colorado. Juanita treasured
the small moments in life and cherished the time she spent with her husband, John. Whether
dining at new restaurants, watching old cowboy shows, or studying the word together at church,
they found happiness in each other's company. They loved to hang out and spend time with their
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their love was genuine and beautiful, a true testament to
the power of a loving partnership.
A woman of immense strength, generosity, and positivity, but what truly defined her was her
belief in our Lord and Savior. She was a prayer warrior, always ready to plead the blood of Jesus
over anyone she encountered. Her prayers brought healing, restoration, and protection to
countless lives, and she touched the hearts of many with her kindness and compassion. Juanita
lived her life with God at the forefront, and her humble grace and golden heart shone through in
all her interactions. She valued the connections she made, and would often stop and engage with
strangers, forming lifelong bonds with them. Juanita embodied class, respect and selfless acts of
service, but above all, she was a woman of God, radiating beauty in all parts of her life.
Juanita was a woman who knew how to rejoice in life and had several hobbies that brought her
great joy. Cooking was a beloved family tradition, and baking cakes was her specialty. Whether
it was her mouth-watering 7 Up Pound cake or her classic Lemon cake, everyone always looked
forward to enjoying her delicious creations. For Juanita, family was everything, and any time
spent with them lit up her heart. When she wasn't with her loved ones, she cherished spending
time with her friends, attending community events, praying together, and sharing food recipes.
Juanita radiated love and life in all that she did, bringing happiness to those around her with her
flavorful food, warm company, and infectious spirit.
Juanita held a special place in her heart for her siblings, as the oldest among them she was vital
yet instrumental in helping her parents raise her younger brothers and sisters, being a mother
figure to them whom they loved and admired. Her endearing stubbornness was always a part of
her, but her siblings knew to pull together for their sake. Even after her children had grown and
moved on to their own lives, Juanita's nurturing nature did not fade away; she opened her doors
to countless family members and non-relatives in need of shelter and care.
Juanita proceeds in death by her husband John Terry, parents Lottie Mae and William Dwyane
Steele, siblings Dwayne Jr., Elizabeth Steele and Doretha Chatman and great grandson Jy’Air
Johnston.
Juanita will be lovely remembered by her loving children Cornelius Lee and Lanese
Thomas-Martin (Vernon). Juanita leaves behind siblings Clairetha Jones, Augusta Halloway,
Denise Collins, Terry Taylor, Courtney Steele, Willie Mae Steele, Felicia Corley, Paulette
Steele, Precious Steele and Levell Steele. Leaving a continued legacy on with grandchildren,
Crystal White (Shelby), Steven Johnston, Latrice Johnston, Rashad Parks, Cornelius Lee Jr.,
Lanesha Johnston, Justin Ross (Sandra), Ciara Lee, Marquez Hayden, Felix Lee and along with
great grandchildren, Sariah Johnston, Azhya Johnston, Samuel White, Andrew White, Joseph
Pryor and Steph’Von Williams.
She will also be missed by all her lifelong friends, prayer team, and many loved ones who loved and adored Juanita Kay Terry.
08/14/2023 EJS
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