Lydia Juanita (Peeler) Barton

Obituary LYDIA JUANITA PEELER BARTON The life journey for Lydia Juanita Peeler Barton of Kansas City, Missouri began September 7, 1922 in Norborne, Missouri to Sandy and Celia Peeler. The journey ended when she entered eternal rest December 8, 2019. Lydia Juanita was preceded in death by both parents Sandy and Celia, brothers Marcus, Thomas, Edwin, Sidney and Monroe, sisters Eula and Betty, granddaughters Lisa and Suzette. Juanita graduated from Norborne High School. She had one daughter, Judith by Russell Turley who preceded her in death defending our country in WWII. Juanita left Norborne and arrived in Kansas City in the 1940’s and worked at Lake City Ammunition Plant during wartime. She had the time of her life enjoying the nightlife of 18th & Vine clubs and juke joints. Some of her fondest memories about early years in Kansas City, were enjoying the sights and sounds of that era. The music of big bands, meeting her favorite musicians, like Nat King Cole and dancing the night away. Within that time, she met and married Othella “Chico” Renfroe, a shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs, spending two years traveling with the team. No children were born from this union. Juanita later met and married Leonidas H. Barton, Sr. who she would spend many happy years raising a family. Two children, Alicia Gayle and Leonidas H. Jr. were born from this union their father preceded her in death. Juanita worked as a domestic worker, taught early childhood education with Head Start and retired from Kitchens by Kleweno after 20 years of service. Juanita was an extraordinary cook, hosting many holiday celebrations for the family and was known for the most delicious homemade rolls. Her passion for baking anything sweet was no secret, primarily to satisfy her own sweet tooth. She was an avid reader, loved listening to music, gardening, traveling and people watching while sitting on her porch swing. Those were her favorite pastimes. The lady had a flair for fashion and was a diva when it came to dressing. She never attended church without a hat and could coordinate an ensemble like no other. Her love for the Lord kept her active at church. A member of Gregg Tabernacle for over 70 years Juanita served on the steward board as secretary, was a dedicated Sunday school teacher, a delegate to many AMEC conferences, organized a youth usher board and was a life member of the Lay Society. Juanita felt a sense of pride for her church as she traveled extensively for church functions throughout the United States, Canada and Bermuda. She was active until her health failed and she could no longer attend. She loved children and seeing a baby would bring a smile to her face. A very family-oriented mother, Juanita spent most of her life caring for her own children and others. It’s not hard to understand that spoiling all of her grandchildren, whether at her home or traveling to visit was what she cherished most. Juanita was devoted and supportive to community and family. She was someone you could depend on, yet while being supportive she would be honest and forthright if she had an opinion. Living life to the fulness, on her terms, staying strong and trusting in God until the end. She leaves a void in our lives and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, daughters Judith Bradley of San Diego California; Alicia Smith (Frank) of Kansas City; son, Leonidas Barton Jr. (Kathryn) of Kansas City; sister Zelma Williams of Aurora, Washington; grandchildren Shelly, Monica, Edmond, Albert, Porscha Gooden, Jasmine and Anicia; great-grandchildren Cassandra, Anthony, Kiara, Amaru, Aaron, Amani, Kai, Rakiyah, Daro, Trinity, Tristyn and Troy, great-great grandchild Kamiah. She is also mourned by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E Church to the scholarship fund in her name. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E Church 1812 East 37th Street Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation 9:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lydia Juanita (Peeler) Barton, please visit our floral store. Read More

Lydia Juanita (Peeler) Barton

September 7, 1922 - December 8, 2019