Juanita Mae Pace, 91, of Opdyke, Illinois, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:05 pm on October 21, 2024, at Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation in McLeansboro, Illinois.
She was born December 4, 1932, in Hamilton County, Illinois to the late Clarence M. and Mamie Marie (Cralley) Bennett. Juanita married Delbert Larry Pace on December 10, 1973, in Salem, Illinois. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 10, 2021.
Juanita is survived by her children, Robert Abbott and wife, Earlene of McLeanboro, Illinois, Anita Darlene Reich and husband, Dan of Port Charlotte, Florida, Lesia Allen and husband, Mitch of Richfield, Utah, Yvonne Leneave and husband, Raymond of Bonnie, Illinois, and Leann Craft of Missouri; grandchildren, Duaine Abbott and wife, Maggie, Angie Craddock, Jason Dunn and wife, Lindsay, Angela Ragan and husband, Bryce, Rachel Clark and husband, Robert, Angel Gilbert and husband, Jason, Aaron Haile, Zachery Haile, Elizabeth Starner and husband, Cory, James Mackey and wife, Brook, John Mackey, Daniel Reich and wife, Sara, Bryan Morgan, Brad Morgan, Matthew Anselment and wife, Sierra, and Kara Anselment; and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to her beloved husband and parents, Juanita was preceded in death by her grandson, Peter Anselment; infant sister, LaVida Bennett; and siblings, Clarence William Bennett and Pauline June Mick.
Juanita worked for many years as a waitress and was a member of Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Juanita had a loving heart and took care of the elderly. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loving aunt, and dear friend.
A Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Reverend Gary Davenport officiating. Interment will follow at Opdyke Cemetery in Opdyke, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Juanita’s honor to Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
