Juanita Verna Davis

“Lived to its fullness” is how Juanita described her life. Born Juanita Verna Hixson on July 18, 1931 at El Reno, Oklahoma to Johnie Monroe Hixson and Lois Verna Kelley Hixson, Juanita passed from this life on July 28 at her home surrounded by family.

 Although the family moved often, Juanita always knew her parents loved her and they taught her to be confident and proud of who she was. “Momma and Daddy taught us kids the right way to live. Momma set a good example. She was my best friend.” When her father died and her mother had to go to work, Juanita took charge of little brother Dennis, raising him right along with her own three children. That early relationship created a tight bond between Juanita and Dennis that was cherished throughout their lifetimes. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers J.M. and Eugene, her son Steve, and her husband Floyd.

Floyd Watson Davis, Jr. was the love of her life. He showed up at Stauffer Drug Store where Juanita worked and was told, “If you want to see me tomorrow you’ll be in church because that’s where I will be.” Floyd did show up and after a few months of dating they were married in Shawnee on June 25, 1950. They stayed together seventy-one years (just to be different) until Floyd’s death in 2021. Together they raised three children: Steve Davis (deceased); La Nita and Keith Lough of Oklahoma City; Melody and Tom Winn of Shawnee; seven grandchildren: Brian Lough, Cindy Lough Sandoval, Kevin Lough, Kelli and John Plumb, Scott and Anna Hodges, Kaci and Colton Johnson, and Amy and Brad Cowdrey; eleven great-grandchildren: Damian and Isaac Sandoval; Carson, Jace, and Landon Plumb; Drew, Hallie, and Beau Davis Hodges; Molly and McKenzie Johnson; and Myrion Cowdrey. Along with her daughters and their families, Juanita is survived by her beloved brother, Dennis, several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends. 

Juanita was an avid Bible reader writing notes in her Bible or on index cards about things she discovered in her reading. She was willing to share the gospel with any who would listen and taught children and ladies in Bible class throughout her adult life. She was a prayer warrior. No meal was ever ingested in her home without a blessing and when the grandkids came along she would lead them in a prayer at bedtime, usually, “Now I lay me down to sleep…”

Along with Floyd and family, Juanita cherished time with friends. Whether it was a trip to the lake, a church function, or convention she was ready for the fun and fellowship. She said some of her happiest times were going to the lake when the kids were small and going with Lucille Ernst on Nature’s Sunshine convention trips. Juanita and Floyd took a trip to Hawaii with the OC basketball team in 1981. Although Juanita was scared of flying for the first time, she had a wonderful adventure and talked about that trip often. Floyd and Juanita hosted church fellowships in their home which usually included a time of singing old hymns.

New acquaintances were also made through their herb and supplements business. Juanita loved taking pictures of your eyes and telling you what was lacking in your health. “Take supplements; cut sweets way down; cut back on red meats; drink lots of water; cut down on salt; and walk every day if possible” was Juanita’s formula for a healthy lifestyle. Her deep concern for people made her very successful in helping others to better health.

Juanita’s life-goals were to have a Christian home, nice things, and good children. She spent her adult life pursuing those goals through her faith, family, and friends. Juanita often said in the last years, “Getting old is no fun,” but her legacy lives on in these words she wrote: “Treat all as your family. Stay close. Be concerned. Love one another. Be sure your children are being taught Biblical truths. Prove it!”

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Mission Road Church.