Juanita Tillman Whitney's Obituary
Juanita Tillman Whitney, 87, passed away surrounded by family at her home in Riverview, FL the evening of Friday, June 2, 2023.
Born Wanda Juanita Tillman on April 10, 1936, she was the 12th and last child to parents Irving Berrier and Bertha Lurana (Dyal) Tillman in Starke, FL.
A 6th generation Florida Native, Juanita was raised in the Alachua County/Gainesville area. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1954.
In 1956, she married William “Bill” Emerson Whitney in Jacksonville. The couple had six children and raised their family in the Venice/Sarasota and Temple Terrace area.
Around 1979, Juanita opened The Remembrance Shop, a floral shop in Brandon. She ran this shop for a few years before switching careers and becoming an accountant for the Hillsborough County Clerk of the Courts.
In 1980, Juanita and her family moved to Riverview, into the home that would become her forever home and a memorable landmark for the Whitney family.
Juanita and Bill’s marriage ended in divorce in 1982, leaving Juanita as matriarch of the house and overseeing all things family oriented. She remained very close with her children, instilling valuable lessons and words of wisdom to them that would be passed on to their children, and their children thereafter.
The Whitney residence in Riverview became the venue for countless family gatherings and events over the last 4 decades. Within that home, Juanita hosted 30+ Christmas Eves, Christmases, Thanksgivings, Easters, birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties, retirement parties, bridal showers, and even a couple of weddings!
Juanita retired from the Clerk of the Court’s office in April 2000 just before her 64th birthday.
After retirement, Juanita focused on her most favorite job of all time - a loving grandmother. She adored each and every one of her 18 grandchildren and served as a constant support for them whenever and wherever needed.
Over the years, she has taken in several grandchildren to stay with her for a period of time, offering guidance and teaching valuable lessons in an often humorous or sassy fashion that only Grandma Whitney has.
Juanita had a knack for sewing, and she enjoyed sewing clothing for her family. She sewed all of the Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren, many of which are now in circulation with the great grandchildren. Many theatrical and musical performances the children participated in showcased costumes made by Juanita. Everything from blankets to pillow cases, Sunday school dresses to snazzy bonnets and aprons. Grandma Juanita had you covered, literally.
Juanita was a talented musician, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was an exceptional pianist and organist. Many hours were spent gathered around the baby grand piano in her living room, with Juanita churning out tune after tune, her children and grandchildren either singing or playing along with her.
Juanita was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and has served as the pianist in her church ward many times over the last 60 years. In addition to church pianist, she also served as Relief Society President twice for the Brandon Ward. She stayed busy in whichever calling she had at the time. She especially enjoyed playing the piano for the Primary (children’s organization of the church). She often expressed how she enjoyed teaching the adult Sunday School class.
Juanita is preceded in death by her parents I.B. and Bertha Tillman; Sisters Iona Tillman and Arie Smith; Brothers Irvin Tillman, Vernon “Pete” Tillman, Winfred Tillman, Lloyd Tillman, Ivan Tillman, and Dalton Tillman; Son in law Jeffery Kirby; and granddaughters Jessica Bowden and Emily Chambers.
She is survived by her children Wanda Whitney, Billie Kirby, Cherié (Doug) Bowden, Gretchen (Chris) Davis, Orson (Shauna) Whitney, and Newel Whitney; Sister Geraldine Cowart; Brother Chester (Betty) Tillman; Grandchildren Carl Bowden, Rebekah (Melissa) Chambers, Whit (Caitie) Bowden, Kara (Rodolfo) Rivera; Lauren Kirby, Paige Hernandez, Tessa (Tyler) Hicks, Buggy Bowden, Chase Bowden, Nathan (Brianna) Whitney, Jeffery Kirby, Zak Whitney, Abram Chambers, Dylan Whitney, Callie Whitney, and Melody Chambers; and 12 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, followed by funeral service at 12:00 PM, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Brandon, 1412 John Moore Rd, Brandon, FL 33511.
Burial will follow funeral services at Serenity Meadows in Riverview.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available to watch live via Zoom, using the following link: https://zoom.us/j/94150452623
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