Juanita Maria Garvin

Life and Legacy of Juanita Maria Garvin
“A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts, which the world can never fill.”

Juanita Maria Garvin was born on November 23 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Josephine (nee Grant) and Jesse Joseph Lonon, Sr. Juanita was the eldest of five siblings, Jesse Joseph, Jr. (deceased), Edward M. (Mabeline) of East Orange, NJ, Betty Anne (deceased), and Rose Marie (deceased). After a brief illness, Juanita was escorted to her heavenly home on Monday, September 19, 2022. Her early education began at St. Benedict’s Catholic School. She then went to secondary school at St. Francis de Sales, boarding school in Rock Castle, Virginia. Juanita completed her education at Savannah State College, now University, where she received her teaching accreditation.

She married Edward Benjamin Garvin, Sr.(deceased), also of Savannah. To this union were three children, Renée, Edward, Jr. and Eric. Family life was most important to Juanita. She was a devoted, working mother and dedicated grandmother, lovingly known as Nana.  Busy work lives and parenting consumed much of her time; however, she enjoyed spending good times with her brothers, their families and extended family. Occasional trips to her hometown of Savannah to visit family and old friends were most enjoyed. Juanita was characterized as a drummer who marched to her own beat. Like the late John Lewis she got into “good trouble.” This attribute was demonstrated as she stood up for the rights of children at her own expense. Dedication to the students at Robert Fulton Elementary was legendary. Although she was hired as a half day Reading Teacher, her school day extended beyond this period because she identified students who needed more intense instruction, and provided it without compensation. It gave Juanita immense pleasure to recognize and converse with former students as she travelled around the city. Juanita was known for being a talker. This seemed to be her favorite pastime. She loved getting together with her Robert Fulton Lunch Bunch. Gathering with the group was among her favorite activities and created memorable times for her, both during her working years and into her retirement. Juanita was an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NAACP for many years. She enjoyed conferences and conventions. Walking for exercise was an integral part of her daily routine. After her retirement, Juanita started taking yoga at Center in the Park where she socialized with other lovers of yoga while staying fit. She always encouraged those around her to be health conscious. Juanita was fearless and determined, and proved her dedication in many ways. She was never afraid to voice her opinion. She had a strong will and never walked away from an unfair situation.

Memories of Juanita will be cherished by her three children; grandsons, Jamal and Blair; granddaughter, Maria with whom she shared a special bond. She will be missed by her brother Edward aka “Lonely” and his wife Mabeline, special nephew Greg (Asia), her great grandchildren, one daughter-in-law, two generations of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends, especially Cheryl Williams, Gloria Blount, Edith Lollie, and Shirley Spellman, and Dan Wright of Atlanta, GA, a steadfast communicator who kept in touch regularly over many years.
 

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