Ms. Juanita Riddle

Juanita Grant Riddle was born on March 17, 1943 to the union of Ezekiel Lee Grant and Aillar Mae Barnes in Wabbaseka, Arkansas. She was the third of ten children born to this union. Her parents, three children, Carolyn Kerrigan, Eugene Harris and Lee Wesley Harris preceded her in death. Juanita was educated in the Wabbaseka, Arkansas Public Schools where she completed her formal education. She met and married Eley Harris and to this union five children were born. He also preceded her in death. Juanita was a dreamer and had her whole life ahead of her and those dreams took her and her family to Kansas City, Missouri in 1963 where she made her home until her death. This move allowed her to enter into her career path with the Kansas City School District, where she held various positions as a teacher's aide, cafeteria worker and later cafeteria manager. She retired after 30plus years of service. Her desire was to give her children a better life than she experienced. Therefore she worked several jobs as a private duty caregiver and catering to accomplish her goal. Juanita united with the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Tommy E. Williams. She was a faithful and loyal member serving in the Usher Ministry and Mother's Board until her health began to fail. Life presented her with some challenges but on a good day in her life, April 13, 1995 she met and married Luther Riddle who also preceded her in death. They were a unique couple that family and friends could always depend on them to provide whenever and wherever needed. She was a surrogate grandmother to many children in the neighborhood providing them with clothing, food and love. Juanita departed this well spent life on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Jefferson Place Healthcare. She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Mike Harris, one daughter, Sharon Kennedy, Kansas City, MO; four sisters, Edna Bandy, Ella Potts (Jerry), Ersie Collins (James) and Dorothy Jackson (Stanley); sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, loving niece, Betty Jo Brown, two special friends she cherished, Etta (Belle) Ayers and Marilyn (Mel) Taylor , a host of nephews, nieces other relatives and friends. Funeral services Friday, March 8, at 10:00am at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation 9:00am-10:00am at the church. Services entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Juanita Riddle

March 17, 1943 - February 29, 2024