Juanita Thomas Griffin, 83, of Hemphill, Texas transitioned peacefully, surrounded by her family, at her home on February 19, 2021.

Juanita was born on March 1, 1937 in Hemphill, Texas to Era Daniels Thomas and L. C. Thomas. She grew up in Hemphill and graduated from Thomas Johnson High School. She later graduated from Prairie View A.M with a degree in Elementary Education.

Juanita taught school in Kansas City, Kansas for many years before returning to Texas to teach in the Dallas School District and finally retiring from Wilmer Hutchins School System. After retirement, she returned to Hemphill where she worked as a cook at the Sabine County Hospital.

Juanita was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt that showed her love for her family daily. She was outgoing and loved to entertain. She was a wonderful cook with an infectious smile and a true love for people. Juanita lived life to the fullest.  She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.

Juanita is survived by her daughter, Patreal Hutchinson of Hemphill, Texas; son, Octavious Hutchinson, of Dallas Texas; grandsons, Amalio Hutchinson, of Hemphill and Rishad Hutchinson of Pineland, Texas; Darion Hutchinson, of San Antonio, Texas; granddaughter, Shun Seastrunk, of Pineland Texas; great grandchildren; Princess Hutchinson, Isis Diaz, Rishad Hutchison, Jr, all of Pineland, Texas and Purdell Sigler of Oceanside, California; Amaya Hutchinson of Hemphill, Texas; nephews, Felix Thomas, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Richard Charles Thomas, and Wendell Lee Thomas, both of Hemphill; Scotty Thomas and Winston Thomas, both of Layton Utah; nieces, Debra Kennedy, of Killeen, Texas; Veronica Thomas and Shelia Thomas, both of Hemphill, Texas; half-brothers, Bruce Garrett, of Jasper, Texas; Charles Thomas and Leroy Thomas, both of Ft Worth, Texas; and Goddaughter Renee Brewer of Nashville, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Era Daniels Thomas; her father, L. C. Thomas; her brothers R. H. (Hercule) Thomas and Christel Thomas.

Services will be held at Starr Funeral Home, February 24, 2021, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Sylvan Clark officiating. Burial will be at Macedonia Cemetery in Hemphill, Texas under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.

Condolences can be made and guest book can be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.