Juanita Denise Johnson Burnett

Obituary

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Revelation 14:13

Juanita’s Life Story

DECEMBER 7, 1957 ~ DECEMBER 31, 2022

~HER BIRTH~

Juanita Denise Johnson Burnett was born on December 7, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri to Mary Lee Pitts and L.C. Crowley. She was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Robert and Vera Lee Johnson.

~HER FAITH~

Her parents, having a strong faith in God, instilled strong teachings and Christian beliefs in Juanita at an early age and she held on to her faith until the Lord called her home. Her Christian experience began when she expressed a hope in Christ at a very early age at St. Paul M.B. Church in Jonestown, Mississippi, and she later became a member of Union Grove Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. L.C. Tyler. While on her spiritual journey, Juanita served in many capacities. She was a dedicated choir member, Sunday school teacher, and church secretary at St. Paul. She also served as a member of Swan Lake Sunday School and BTU Congress. After joining Union Grove Church, Juanita was an active member of the choir until her health began to fail. However, she remained a faithful member and president of the mother board until death.

~HER EARTHLY PURPOSE~

Juanita received her formal education from Coahoma Agricultural High School in 1975. She also attended and graduated from Alcorn State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1979. After teaching adult education courses in Clarksdale, MS, Juanita served as an elementary and junior high math instructor for over twenty years. Her life’s tenure also includes her service to the community as president of Moore Bayou Water Association and executive director of Jonestown Habitat for Humanity.

~HER ASCENSION~

Preceding her in death, a son, Robert. Her parents, L.C. Crowley and Mary Lee Pitts; Robert and Vera Lee Johnson. Two sisters, Betty Scott and Cynthia Pitts; two brothers, Lawrence Pitts and Charles Pitts.

~HER LEGACY~

Juanita leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Minister Vernita Burnett of Jonestown, MS and Executive Pastor of HOPE Ministries, T’Keyah Burnett of Jackson, MS. One granddaughter, Hayleigh Abrams of Jonestown, MS. Three sisters: Mary Alice Harris and Virgie Amy-Brown both of Gary, IN; Theresa Calhoun Taylor of Jonestown, MS. Two brothers, Richard (Desiree) Pitts of Lansing, IL; Darryl Pitts of Texas. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.