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Juanita Elizabeth Derrien, age 74, of Lawrenceville, GA peacefully passed into the presence of our Lord on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Emory-Decatur Hospital in Decatur, Georgia.
She was the only child of the late Ernestine Hardy. She grew up in Chesterfield County, Virginia where she lived with her grandparents and her mother’s siblings. Nita loved her grandparents and would often laugh about the good times she had frying and eating chicken late at night with her grandfather. He always told her,” Don’t tell grandma.”
Nita, as she was fondly called, graduated from Carver High School in Chester, Virginia, and later moved to Baltimore, Maryland to be with her mother. While living in Baltimore, she married William Derrien and of this union, one son, Christopher Derrien was born.
Juanita accepted Christ at an early age at Union Branch Baptist Church in Virginia and continued her walk with God in Baltimore, Maryland at Shiloh Baptist Church under the Pastorate of the late Harold Carter Sr. Upon moving to Georgia, she continued to attend church and attended as long as she could. When she could no longer attend in person, she enjoyed listening to sermons and church services on the radio. Nita was always interested in reading the Bible and studying God’s word. She held onto her roots and belief in God and was a faithful follower of Christ.
The joy of her life was her grandchildren, Breyana and Christiana. You almost never held a conversation with Nita without her mentioning the girls. She dearly loved her mother’s siblings and to us, she was a sister. Her Aunt, Idella (Della) was extremely close to her and was a mother to her until her death.
Juanita leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted son, Christopher (Ebony); two grandchildren, Breyana and Christiana; two aunts, Idella (Gilbert) and Doris (William); and a host of cousins, extended relatives, and very dear friends.
You left a beautiful memory
A sorrow too great to be told.
But to us who loved and lost you,
Your memory will never grow old.
Gone is the face we loved so dear,
Silent is the voice we loved to hear.
Too far away from sight or speech,
But not too far for thought to reach.
But looking back with tenderness
Along the path we trod,
We bless the years we spent with you
And leave the rest to God.
Brenda Derrien-Smith says
Sending sincere sympathy and condolences to Chris, Ebony and the girls. Remember the good times you shared with her and this will help ease the pain.
Doris L. Graham says
It’s with a heart full of sadness that I’ve lost you, but with a heart of joy to have had you in my life. I will truly miss my little niece whom I grew up with. I will always love you Nita, you are so precious. We all loved you, we know you are at peace now because you don’t have to deal with the pain and suffering. You gave this world a lot of joy and I know your friends grandchildren, son and daughter-in law will always miss you. We love you so much.
Aunt Doris and uncle Bill.
Shirley Harrison says
My condolences to my son-in-law Chris and daughter Ebony and my two Granddaughters. I got to know Juanita in the years. We shop together and we pray together.She was a friend to me and she surely will be miss by me. I got to pray with her a week before her passing and I know she loved the Lord rih Juanita. I will remember the good times we shared together
Samuel Ray Smith Jr says
My Heart, Prayers, and Deepest Sincere, Sympathy goes to Christopher and Your Family. May Your Precious Mom Rest in Eternal Heavenly Peace 🕊️🤍🕊️🤍🕊️🤍
Edwin says
My condolences to my stepfather Chris, and my mother Ebony, i’ve known Juanita, since I was young and I’ve had a lot of nice family moments with her, we might not have been blood, but she was always my family. I know she’s with God happy, healthy and not in pain may she rest in eternal peace.
Gail Hawkins-johns says
I am wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult loss. I pray that you cherish your mother’s kind spirit and her gentle smile. Our condolences and sympathies to you Chris, Ebony and your family.
Wanda Glenn says
Where do i start, you were my buddy at first then became my best friend, il always think of how we talked all day everyday and laughed and cried whatever the situation was you were my dedicated sister friend and my heart is sooo heavy, who can i now call at 2 or 3am and say girl you still up and you say yea,i just got thru frying me some chicken haha she was true too the bird!!! Im trying to laugh to keep fromm crying Juanita will always in my heart be my best sister friend and i will always cherish the friendship memories we had and there were many! To Chris Ebony, and the girls just know ahe loved you all from the bottom of her heart, you all were always fondly mentioned in our conversations and she stood up for you all always bragging about yall and would do any and everything to make you all happy ,we miss her but God needed her more, il always be here for you all if you need me, lovingly her what i like to call her ride or die…Wanda Glenn
Cora Ashford says
Dear Juanita. I love you and will truly miss you. My husband and I will never forget how you invited us into your family. Relocating in Baltimore from Virginia. Tennessee and Mississippi we knew only one or two people there but you were so kind and loving gave rides to grocery the store and helping us find an apartment and much more. I praise the Lord that I I was able to see you in May after more than 15 years but we kept in touch , I will truly miss our phone chats. To the family May God be with all of you. Love you Juanita. Give Bill Cora and Milton our love as well
Rita Graham says
I am so sad. I was sad when you moved to Georgia but we were always as close as the phone but now you’re in Gods presence and I can’t talk to you but I’m so glad you’re in no more pain. I love you Nita and I will miss you.
Jada B. says
I send my prayers to your family during this difficult time, and I pray you all will still feel her presence as an angelic spirit every time you think of her throughout the passing years. I pray for all peace without understanding and that her spirit lives on and countinues to bless her loved ones every single day.
Kawanna Bailey says
My Condolences to the family! Chris, Ebony & and the girls, I pray God brings comfort to you all and wrap you in his arms and wipe your tears away. We will be waiting when y’all get back home and grab yall give you big hugs. I will keep you all lifted in prayers.
God give them strength!
I Love You
Idella Gray says
Dear nita, as I write this note, I am filled with joy and sadness. Joy because of who you were to me and sadness because I’m missing you so very very much. I cherish the minutes we spent talking on the phone, mostly discussing your medical conditions and what we needed to do to help make you feel better. But I know now that God was listening because he has taken you out of your misery and transitioned you to a place where peace and joy abide forever. Thank you Nita for loving me as I have loved you. You were the daughter I never had and the sister we all cherished. You are precious and we love you . Aunt Della, and Uncle Gil.
Rev. Lindora F. James says
Criss, uncle David and I (aunt Lindora), is sorry for your loss. We are praying for you, Ebony and the girls, as you all deal with the demise of your lovely mother, sister Juanita. There’s nothing no better than a child of God to rest from their labor on this side to go home to be with the Lord. We pray God’s strength for you and the family.
The Howell Family (Natasha) says
Chris, Ebony and the girls we love y’all and we are so very sorry for your loss, May God continue to wrap his arms around you all and give you strength, comfort and love during this difficult time. Safe travels my friends.
Darcel says
My deepest condolences to Chris and Ebony & family love & prayers
Sheree Hamblin says
Chris,Ebony and the two girls…
My condolences to your family
She will be deepest missed
Stay strong
May God continue to bless the family in time of sorrow….sending my love n prayers
Leslie Jacas says
My deepest sympathy goes out to you, Ebony and your husband on the passing of his mother
Cheryl Greene Webb says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m praying for you and your family Chris
Denise Wallace says
Sending my heart felt condolences to each family member and friends, and much love and prayers to you all, blessings 💕
Tonya says
My condolences to the family, Chris remember how she was, To this day I still remember the good things about my loved ones. She is with the Father now. Can’t get any better than that. I’m thankful for knowing her through my brother Wendell Burr. God bless your family.
She was a beautiful woman.
Theresa (Terry) Petteway says
My condolences to all family and friends. Special prayers out to Chris. I’m Wendell Burr’s sister. I’ve known you since you were a little boy. Your mom was a sweet person and she doted on you. I’m so sorry for your loss. May sweet memories of her fill your heart and comfort you and your family. God bless you.