Juanita Essel (Petteway) George

Her Life Story

And this is how her story began…..

On December 29, 1931, in the quiet community of Springridge, Louisiana, God blessed Billie Earl and Mamie Verdell Petteway with a precious baby girl. They named her Juanita Essel Petteway, the first of ten children, a role she embraced with grace and quiet strength. From her earliest days, Juanita’s life was touched by faith. She accepted Christ at a young age and worshipped at New Hill Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where her spiritual foundation was lovingly laid. She received her education at Springridge Elementary/Junior High School, and Central High School.

Growing up on a large family farm, Juanita learned the values of hard work, unity, and gratitude. She spent her childhood in the fields, picking cotton and vegetables alongside her parents and siblings. Her love for corn began in those tender moments spent shucking corn and pealing purple hull peas with her mother — simple tasks that became cherished memories. She delighted in caring for the farm’s chickens and animals, often encouraging her siblings to work a little faster so they could finish together. Even as a young girl, she carried deep respect and honor for her parents, reflecting the quiet humility that would define her life.

In time, God brought love into her path. Juanita met and married Henry George, Jr., the love of her life, on February 20, 1950, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Their union was blessed with five children — four daughters and one son. After the birth of their first child, Henry and Juanita moved to Houston, Texas, where they built a home filled with love, laughter, and faith.

In 1957, Juanita joined Blueridge Methodist Church, then located on Chesterfield Drive under Rev. Hilton Huey. She continued worshipping faithfully when the church relocated to Reed Road in 1993. Her warm smile and gentle spirit made her a natural doorkeeper (usher), a role she carried with joy for more than 55 years. She served until circumstances prevented her from continuing, but her presence remained woven into the heart of the church. Her love for babies was legendary — she fell in love with every little one she met. And on the Sundays she wasn’t ushering, she was known for her elegant attire, always adorned with matching hats and accessories that reflected her quiet pride and grace.

Juanita was a devoted homemaker whose hands were always creating beauty. She excelled as a seamstress and enjoyed pottery, knitting, crocheting, macramé, and quilting. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, where she baked and cooked for family and friends with love as her secret ingredient. She served as a homeroom mother, participated in her neighborhood Civic Club, Blueridge Wednesday Morning Bible Class, Methodist Women, and the Tuesday Morning Prayer Chain — always giving, always present, always faithful.

Her love for plants and flowers was a gift from God. With a green thumb and a nurturing spirit, she transformed her sunroom into a living sanctuary of blooms and greenery. She knew every plant by name, tending each one with the same care she gave to the people she loved.

Juanita was a humble soul, a woman of few words but a heart overflowing with love. Her life was a quiet testimony of devotion — to her family, her church, her community, and her God. Like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, she walked in integrity, kindness, and unwavering faith. Her daily life proved it.

She departed this life and entered her eternal rest, bound for Glory, on October 30, 2026, surrounded by her caring and loving children. Her journey was gentle, her spirit was strong and her love remains……

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Billie and Mamie Petteway; Henry George, Jr. (her devoted husband of 61 years); four brothers, Walter, Harold Sr., Carnell and Perry Petteway; one sister, Earlie Petteway-Williams; two brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law, and two nephews.

She leaves behind loved ones who will forever cherish her memories: one son, Sterling George; four daughters, Brenda Brown, Wanda “Cookie” Clay (Tommy), Constance Jackson (Michael), and Shánta Forney (Stephen); four sisters, Jessie Moore (Richard), Annie Norman (Ned), Yvonnie Newsome (Bobby) and Gwendolyn Anderson; two sisters-in-law; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.