Obituary - Juanita Aleatha Wimberly

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Sunrise: June 12, 1931 —

Sunset: October 29, 2007

Lying in Repose Friday, November 2, 2007 3:00pm - 9:30pm

Haliburton Funeral Chapel 1317 Emerson St. Evanston, Illinois 60203 Nathan Haliburton, Jr. - Director

Services Saturday, November 3, 2007 Wake: 12:00pm Funeral: 1:00pm

Ebenezer AME Church 1109 Emerson St. Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 328-1707 Reverend Oscar Crear, Officiating www.ebenezeramechurch.org

Interment Saturday, November 3, 2007 2:30pm—3:30pm

Sunset Memorial Lawns 3100 Shermer Rd Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-0669

Repast Following Interment

Ebenezer AME Church Lower Level

… A Woman

In 1930, Milton Percy Harrison and Bessie Mae (Jackson) Harrison moved north from Little Rock, Arkansas to Evanston, Illinois…..

Our mother, Juanita (Harrison) Wimberly was born June 12, 1931…….

Program Officiating Reverend Oscar Crear, Pastor Ebenezer AME Church — Evanston, IL

Musical Prelude Processional - The Wimberly Family Visitation Hymn - Congregation Prayer - Pastor Crear The Holy Scriptures - Pastor Crear Amazing Grace - Ms. Tina Penick Special Acknowledgements - Ms. Cynthia M. Alexander A Cappella Melody - RuShonda Conner & Jaqkia Mathis Tribute from Friends & Family Mr. Terrance Wimberly, Grandson Mr. Craig Wimberly, Middle Son Special Guest Pastor - Pastor Kennedy Cherry Special Guest Soloist - Ms. Dianne Williams Eulogy - Pastor Crear Recessional

Obituary Juanita Leatha Wimberly Mrs. Juanita Leatha Wimberly was called home to glory on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 4:20p.m.

Juanita fondly known as “Nita Cakes” was the daughter of the late Milton Harrison, Jr. and Bessie Harrison of Evanston, Illinois. Juanita, was a life long resident of Evanston, Illinois. Juanita matriculated through the Evanston public school system and was graduated from Evanston Township High School on June 16, 1949.

Juanita was employed at American Hospital Supply for several years until the company moved out of the area. When one door closes, God opens another. Juanita quickly found employment with Evanston Township High School as Security Assistant. Juanita enjoyed her work. She was loved by students and staff. Juanita continued her employment with Evanston Township High School for 14 years.

Her Family — Juanita’s one true joy was her family. She was married to Stanton Wimberly who preceded her in death in July 2001. Juanita and Stanton reared six children in Evanston, IL. Juanita’s children were her #1 priority. She always put her children before self. But not just her children, Juanita considered all of God’s children as her own and was a surrogate mother to many, Juanita truly believed that love could conquer all.

Her Friends — Juanita had numerous friends throughout her life. However, her closest friends were her sisters. The Harrison “girls” always had big smiles and were very supportive of one another.

Her Faith — Juanita professed her faith in God at an early age. She was a true believer. Juanita held membership at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Evanston, Illinois.

To cherish Juanita’s memory are her children: Stanton (Dianne) Wimberly of Las Vegas, NV, Sandra Wright of Hudson, FL, Karen Wimberly of Evanston, IL, Craig Wimberly of Chicago, IL, Evelyn Wimberly of Evanston, IL, Michael Harrison of Evanston, IL, and Debret Harrison of Seattle, WA; a sister, Evelyn Alexander of North Chicago, IL and a brother Milton Harrison of Evanston, IL, 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grand children and a host of nieces, nephews and two close family friends whom Juanita regarded as her daughters: Deborah Bell and Laverne Woolridge both of Evanston, IL.

The Wimberly family extends a heartfelt “Thank You” to Terrance Wimberly, Lori Wimberly, and Deborah Bell for their tireless efforts when caring for Juanita during her lengthy illness Juanita’s transition was peaceful because of your efforts.

Funeral Services entrusted to Haliburton Funeral Chapel, 1317 Emerson Street, Evanston, IL 60203 Internment at Sunset Memorial Lawns, 3100 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL

...A Family

If you look up the word Mother in the dictionary, the definition should read "SEE JUANITA WIMBERLY".

For you were so much more, going above and beyond the call of duty, exceeding all expectations.

So I say to you, "if tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane; I'd climb right up to heaven and bring you home again.

I LOVE YOU....TOGETHER FOREVER. Your daughter, Sandra

WHEN MAMA DIED, I THOUGHT MY WORLD HAD ENDED. YOU STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND I WAS TRULY BLESSED WITH ANOTHER MOTHER. I WILL TRULY MISS YOU AND PLEASE SAVE A SEAT FOR ME. LOVE, YOUR BROTHER MILTON YOU HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN. EVELYN, your daughter

AUNT NITA, THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR GAIL AND I. THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN AND GIVEN US. THANK YOU FOR THE UNDERSTANDING, NO MATTER WHAT ROLE WE CHOSE. THANK YOU FOR BEING AUNT NITA CAKES TO MY CHILDREN. THANK YOU FOR NEEDING ME WHEN YOU WERE IN NEED OF ME. THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE. LOVE, GAIL, DENISE AND MY CHILDREN - WITH ALL THAT NITA CAKE LOVE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED AND ALWAYS LOVED. GAIL, DENISE, AND THE PAGE GANG

Dad

1910 Wesley Ave. Evanston, Ill.

The perfect Christmas Tree

… A Friend It was all because of YOU….

You were our mother, father, grandma, sister, aunt, and teacher.

Confidante, counselor, friend, mentor, and preacher You gave us a place to live when we didn’t have a home You listen to our problems when we know you had your own You gave us the last helping when we could hear your stomach turning You gave us your knowledge, when we thought we were done learning You taught us how to be fathers, placing family before wealth You taught us how to be mothers, placing family before self You taught us how to read and write, pray to god, and to cook your Mac and cheese You taught us there was no shame in praying on your knees You taught us how to treat people, love our children, and love thy brother You taught us how to sacrifice, be a friend, listen and care for one another You believed that you could find us, when others thought we were lost You were there for us always, no matter what the cost You taught us to weather the storm, during tough times of despair When times were rough, you gave us hope; we knew you would always be there Some say you never wanted to leave the house and do the things you wanted to do But we know now--- you wanted to be at home, so we could always find you.

Everything we have accomplished in our life, was all because of you I can still hear your words of hope, “Tough times never last, but tough people do” So mama, father, grandma, teacher, confidante, and friend, Nita we will always love you Written by Terrance Wimberly

Pall Bearers Benjamin F. Alexander, III Tyrone Bell Trimell Harrison Eric Page Lee Page Terrence Wright

Honorary Pall Bearers William Jackson Lee Mangrum Ronald McCracken Carl Steward Booby Wanzley Life is but a stomping place, a pause in what's to be.

A resting place along the road to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys, different paths along the way.

We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay.

Our destination is a place, far greater than we know.

For some the journey quickens, for some the journey is slow.

And when the journey finally ends, we'll claim a great reward.

And find an everlasting peace, together with the Lord.

Special Friend of Family, William Jackson

Design by Cynthia Alexander and Craig Wimberly