Juanita Pearl Jones McIlhaney, 92, of Kingsland died at home on Jan. 29, 2024.
Juanita was born on April 10,1931 to Adam and Agnes Jones in Cross Plains. She grew up and graduated from high school in Blanket. She had five siblings: Jack, Billy, Annie, Leon and Leona.
After graduation, Juanita married Frank McIlhaney Jr. on July 27, 1948. They had many residences and settled in Burnet. Together they raised five children: Frank, Roy, Sharlott, Sheila and Tina.
Juanita had several occupations during her lifetime. She was a teacher at the Burnet Child Development Center when it first opened. She eventually became the director. Children have always been a passion for her. She had a home daycare for a while and loved it! She ministered to several families.
After Frank retired, they started a dog kennel in Burnet known as Bluebonnet Kennel. Their kennel achieved several recognitions from the American Kennel Association, and their puppies were sold all across the United States.
Juanita and Frank were very involved in the VFW. She held many different officer roles. She loved making lap blankets for the veterans and would deliver them to the VA hospitals.
After Frank died, Juanita moved to Lometa. She became very involved in the Senior Citizens Center and First Baptist Church. She loved the Quilting Club, making puzzles and all the Women’s Bible studies she attended.
Juanita had several hobbies and interests. She loved plants, especially African violets. She also loved to sew. She made little girl dresses and teddy bears for Operation Christmas Child and a few mission trips her children went on. She also loved butterflies and cats.
When she could no longer live by herself, she moved in with her daughter Sheila in Kingsland. She attended Packsaddle Fellowship Church and eventually joined Chapel of the Hills Baptist Church.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Frank McIlhaney Jr.; brothers Jack Jones and Billy Jones; a sister, Annie McIlhaney; daughter-in-law Janet McIlhaney; and sonin-law Arthur Potts. She is survived by her children Frank McIlhaney III and wife Ortencia, Roy McIlhaney and wife Julie, Sharlott Campbell and husband John, Sheila Potts, and Tina Winger and husband Jerry; nine grandchildren, Frank McIlhaney IV and wife Nancy, Tonia Cummings and husband Scott, Tim McIlhaney and wife Charlie, Sarah Leslie and her husband Chris, Johnny Floyd and wife Lisa, Jessica Hughey and husband Doug, Bobby Diehl, Allison Brewer and husband Tony, and Emily Winger; and 14 great-grandchildren, Kate, Lily, Ashlyn, Brooke, Makayla, Matthew, Riley, Angie, Lucy, Frankie, Abigail, Corven, Ash, Cole.
Services will be held Feb. 10 at Chapel of the Hills Baptist Church in Buchanan Dam, with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Burnet City Cemetery. Harrell Funeral Home in Kingsland has charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
