Juanita Leonard Clifton

Mrs. Juanita Leonard Clifton, 90, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, January 13, 2025, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Mrs. Clifton was born September 24, 1934, in Surry County, the younger of two daughters born to the late Jacob Alton and Fannie Jane Lambert Leonard. A longtime resident of the Toast community, Juanita was raised here and graduated from Franklin High School, where she began her lifelong journey of compassion and commitment to others. After high school, Juanita pursued her passion for helping others by earning her nursing diploma and becoming a registered nurse. Her career spanned many years, beginning at Baptist Hospital and later at Northern Hospital of Surry County, where she retired after decades of dedicated service. As a nurse, Juanita was known for her kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication to those in her care. She was a caregiver to the very end, embodying the values she lived by both in her profession and in her personal life. A devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church for 79 years, Juanita was a cherished participant in her Sunday school class (The Ruth Class), where she formed deep friendships that lasted throughout her life. She had a heart for her faith, her family, and her community, and she carried that love in all she did. Juanita had a passion for cooking and was known for her delicious meals, many of which were shared with family and friends. Each year, she would lovingly can and freeze fruits and vegetables, ensuring there was always something homemade to enjoy. An avid reader and a meticulous housekeeper, Juanita kept a home that was always organized to the highest degree. She valued simplicity and order, and her home was a welcoming place for all who entered. In her retirement, Juanita found joy in giving back through volunteering at Yokefellow Ministries, where she continued her lifelong mission of helping others in meaningful ways. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Greg Cheek and Lisa and Greg Jackson; a stepson and his wife, Eric Clifton and Naomi Nierenberg; her grandchildren, Ashley and Jake Bryant, Christopher Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Joey Cheek, and Heather Cheek; her great-grandchildren, Jacey Crawley, Cameron Cheek, Kaylee Cheek, Syler Bryant, Kyson Bryant, Merritt Bryant, and Layla Jackson; her great-great-grandchildren, Layne Smith, II, and Maven Smith; and her extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Clifton was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Donald Lawson; her second husband, Roger Monroe Clifton; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Bill Overby. A graveside service celebrating Juanita’s life will be held Monday, January 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Skyline Memory Gardens, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating. No formal visitation will be held. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love, care, and compassion shown by the staff at Ridgecrest Retirement Community and the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 314 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.