Juanita Irick's Obituary
Juanita Eleanor Irick, daughter of Thomas Beverly and Cora Myrtle Adams Smith, was born August 11, 1918, near Brownfield, Missouri. She departed this life Wednesday, December 31, 2008, in Christian Health Care North, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety years, four months, and twenty days. On June 18, 1938, she was united in marriage to Melvin Hollage Irick, who passed away in 1977. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three step-children; two brothers, James and Thomas Smith; and three sisters, Marie Cotton, Ethel Young, and Geneva Rayl. Juanita is survived by two brothers, Lewis Smith, of St. Robert, Missouri, and Robert Smith, of the State of Virginia; a number of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was raised in the Boot Heel area of Missouri and then moved to Florida where she and Melvin made their home for several years. In 1977, after Melvin’s passing, Juanita made her home with her grandson, Gary Bruce for a time before moving to Lebanon, Missouri in the early 1980’s. She lived in Vernon Heights until 2000, and then resided with Ann Owens for most of the last eight years. Throughout her life, Juanita was a devoted homemaker. Juanita made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was a member of First Baptist Church in Lebanon for several years. She later transferred her membership to the Faith Baptist Church, where she always enjoyed attending services. In her spare time she enjoyed working puzzles, doing simple craft projects, and reading. She was an excellent cook, liked watching television, and spending time with her family. Juanita was a loving sister, aunt, and step-grandmother, and was a caring friend. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and many friends. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday January 3, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Lebanon. Burial will be in the Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation is Friday evening 7-8:30 pm under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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