Juanita Williams, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted woman of God, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 75.
She was born on May 14, 1951, in Bayou Rapides, Louisiana, to the late Pearl Davis Williams and Ben Williams. She grew up in Bayou Rapides and Alexandria’s Lower Third neighborhood.
Juanita accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she developed a lifelong love for music and ministry. She was educated in the Rapides Parish School System and graduated from Peabody High School in 1971.
She worked at Sam’s Store before beginning a 28-year career with International Paper Company in Pineville, where she served in the shipping department and advanced to the position of First Shipper. She also served on the company’s hiring committee.
A faithful member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Juanita served as president of the Senior Choir and Mass Choir. She was known for her strong faith, generous spirit, warm smile, and dedication to her family, church, and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl Davis Williams and Ben Williams; her brother, Roosevelt Williams; and her sisters, Brenda Mae Williams, Linda Faye Williams, and Dorothy Smedley.
She is survived by her daughter, Joslyn Williams of Alexandria; her granddaughters, Precious Brandy Williams of Alexandria and Diamond Williams of Lafayette; her great-grandson, Aiden Batiste of Alexandria; her sister, Delores Coleman of Houston; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 4711 England Drive, Alexandria. Final committal rites will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Oak Island Cemetery, England Air Park, Alexandria.