Juanita Williams, 77, of 507 Gray St., Dowagiac, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born June 18, 1932, in Tuscumbia, Ala., the daughter of the late Johnny and Ellie (Allen) Vines.

She moved to this area in 1960 from Missouri.

She married Edward L. Williams on June 9, 1953, in Clay County, Ark.
He preceded her in death June 30, 1999.

Juanita is survived by: a daughter, Melinda (Danny) Vance; and a son, Johnny Williams, both of Dowagiac; nine grandchildren, Maranda Owen, Terry George II, Beth Williams, Cody Williams, Katelyn Ledesma, Meg Williams, Ty (Amanda) Vance, Troy (Jenny) Vance and Misty (Rob) LaViolette; nine great-grandchildren, Terin Owen, Ashtynn Webb, Aleea Owen, Terry George III, Ezra Vance, Houston George, Laila Vance, Ethan LaViolette and Venton Vance.

She is also survived by: a brother, Freeman (Ruth) Vines; a sister, Margaret “Not” Blue, both of Holcomb, Mo.; and a special friend, Doyle Blassingame of Dowagiac.

Two brothers, Billy Ray Vines and Roland Dan Vines, precede her in death.
Juanita worked at the former Du-Wel Products in Dowagiac.

She also had worked at several other factories in Dowagiac.

Her family would like to thank the nieces, nephews, in-laws and other family members for their support and kindness during this most difficult time.

The family would also like to thank the Howard family and nephew Todd Williams for their many prayers and love shown to the family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m. at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis.

Interment will be in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the service.
Online condolences can be left at connellyfuneralhome@verizon.net.