Juanita Churchill
Juanita Churchill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, surrounded by close family and the everlasting love of God. She was 67 years old.
Born in Birmingham on June 26, 1957, Juanita lived a life marked by grace, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She shared a deep and enduring love with her husband of 36 years, Victor Churchill Jr., who was not only her partner but her caregiver and constant companion until her final hour.
Juanita’s presence lit up every room. She was known for her warm heart, humor, entrepreneurial spirit and for always lending a helping hand to those in need. Whether through heartfelt conversations where she shared wisdom through her life experiences or her laugh echoing through the halls, Juanita created a legacy of love that will carry on through the lives she touched.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Victor Churchill Jr., her loving daughter, Melissa Akers (Kenneth)Akers, her stepson Victor (Jacques) Churchill III, her grandchildren, Justin (Snowey) Allums, Jacob (Amanda) Allums and Alyssa Allums along with Khloe, Victor IV and Bellamy Churchill. Her great grandchildren, Jaxon, Isabella, Caroline Allums, and she is also survived by her caring sister, Mary Helen (Jerry) Hallmark, all who brought her endless joy along with a host of extended family and dear friends who she cherished deeply. She is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Gilley, father, William Gilley Sr., sister, Wanda Coker, and brother, William Gilley Jr.
Though no formal service will be held, the family invites you to honor Juanita in your own way—by sharing a memory, a prayer, or simply love someone a little harder in her honor, the way that she would have.
She may have parted this world, but her spirit lives on—in every kind gesture, every quiet moment, and in the hearts of all who loved her. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
What a lovely and profound tribute to my beloved neice. She will be missed…until we meet again, Nita!
My dearest friend, Juanita Churchhill, where do I even start? So many wonderful memories, so many great times, so much laughter yet so many tears! You taught me that it is okay to be me and I am enough. You lead by example and you loved without expectation. You and Vic provided an example of what a relationship should be and y’all’s unwavering love and commitment to each other, amazed me. Your believe and loyalty to God was infectious and grand. I have missed you so much over the past couple of years due to life, and your illnesses, but I was comforted by just knowing that you were there. I never ever thought that I would never see you again and my heart is broken. I know that you are with our savior and we will certainly be together again one day. I know that you are in heaven dancing and singing and loving on all of those that went before you. I want to thank you for so many things, but especially for sponsoring me and showing me a new way to live. I will have 30 years clean in a few months and that would have NEVER happened without having you in my life. You have loved me so many times when I was unable to love myself. You encouraged me in my career and helped me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. I just passed the national exam and earned my LMFT, (how about that shit!!). I am saddened that I was not able to share this with you, but I think that you somehow know. You gave your heart to your children and loved them with your all! Again, you showed me by example that through recovery, our children forgive and will accept us back into their lives. Your children certainly loved you back, and they are all grieving in their own ways. I pray that we all have peace and comfort by the memories and love that you left with each of us. I love you girl and until we meet again, you will forever be in my heart and my memories.
She sounds like a remarkable woman. And proof of that I see in her precious daughter, Melissa, whom I am proud to call my friend.. li pray for peace and God’s loving comfort for all who loved her.
We’re always friends, I will never forget her..bestie in 3rd grade, graduated together..such a sweet soul, loved by so many ♥️
I Love you like Breath Neet…❤️❤️❤️FOREVER.