Reflections of Her Legacy

Deaconess Juanita Evelyn Williams Grimmage earned her angel wings on April 12, 2020.

Juanita Evelyn Williams was born to the late Albert Williams and Amarantha Emma Malone Williams on February 20, 1939, in Suwannee County, Live Oak, Florida. Later in life, her mother married the late Deacon Frank Crusaw, who was an important figure in her upbringing and encouraged her in her faith walk with God.

At an early age, she confessed Christ and joined Union Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Moss. In 1973 she joined Sweet Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Silas Brinson. She served in many capacities in the church, President of the Deaconess Board, President of the Youth Choir, Coordinator of Vacation Bible School, Choir #2 President, Choir #1-member, President of Home Mission and Church Financial Secretary. Deaconess Grimmage served faithfully in the First Bethlehem Association as Chairman of Personality Committee (appointed by Mrs. Alice Jackson), Chairman of Hospitality, and 2nd Vice President of the Women's Department.

Juanita attended Suwannee County, Florida schools where she graduated from Douglas High School in May of 1956. Later years she attended Suwannee County Vocational School, where she received her Certified Nurse Assistant License. Juanita was employed with Suwannee County Head Start, Suwannee County Hospital, SREC, Lake City Medical Hospital, Suwannee Middle School.

Early in life, she married the late Albert Jones, and to this union, six (6) children were born.

Later in life, she fell in love with the late Deacon George Grimmage. They were married in April 1973, and to this union, two (2) children were born.

Deaconess Grimmage had wisdom and knowledge that was a blessing to many. She was very talented with her hands and always willing to help. We remember her as sweet, trustworthy, stern, and loving. No matter what challenges life brought, she was strong-willed and the foundation of our family. As we reflect on our "Mama," we are inspired, proud, encouraged, and have so many beautiful memories of laughter and joy. Most of all, "Mama" loved to give praises to God. She was a God-Fearing Woman.

As a child of God, her faith and belief was that God would strengthen her, and she never let go of His hand. Isaiah 41:10 .

As a Friend, Deaconess Grimmage loved at all times and did her best to show her support in their times of need living out Proverbs 18:24 .

As an Aunt, she expressed her love for her children through gifts and wise counsel, as it is written in Proverbs 22:6 .

She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving and devoted children : Janice Jones Robinson (Sylvester) of Madison, FL, Johanna Jones Harley (Nathan) of Live Oak, FL, Cedric L. Jones of Gainesville, FL, Amarantha Grimmage Melton (Dexter) and George L. Grimmage of Tallahassee, FL. Georgia Marsden, Linda Morrell, and Ronald Grimmage of Live Oak, FL., Detree Allister (Waston) of Clearwater, FL., Darryl Grimmage of Valdosta, GA., and Randy Grimmage of Miami, FL. Siblings : Ovida Hardy and Ardelia McClain of Jacksonville, FL. Brother- in- law : Samuel Grimmage of Largo, FL. Grandsons : Kenneth "Duan" Frances of Live Oak, FL., Jerrod McDaniel, Sr. of Orlando, FL., Jason McDaniel, Sr. of Valdosta, Georgia, Plase "DeQuan" Jones (US Army) of Texas, Dexter "Trey" Melton of Orlando, FL, Madison Melton and Geordan Grimmage of Tallahassee, FL. Granddaughter : Joi Grimmage of Tallahassee, FL. Nine (9) Great Grandchildren. Friend/Siblings : Deacon Willie McClendon of Live Oak and Deaconess Mary Jo Nelson, and Mother Lucille Mills. Close friends : Mother Ruby Barfield, Deaconess Lefranie Francis, and Brother Calvin Johnson. Close cousins : Rena Joyce and Willa Dean. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends. Deaconess Grimmage was preceded in death by her husband: Deacon George Lee Grimmage, three children Albert Jones, Jr., Felisa Ann Jones, and Terri Ayxita Jones Williams.