Born in Dallas, Texas on May 11, 1931 to the parents of John Gray and Laura Bell Turner, came their third Blessing, Juanita.

She began her education in the Dallas Independent School District before moving to Detroit, Michigan as a young teenager. There, she completed her formal education. Later she attended Southwestern Business School in Dallas. Juanita enjoyed playing basketball and later became a wonderful seamstress and also teaching and sharing her gift with others.

Juanita met Odell Payne in 1946, stating to all that she, "was pursued tirelessly for years" before, agreeing to marry her love in 1949. To this union 9 children were born: Kent, Kathleen, Dorinda, Eleanor, Carl, Wanda, Kevin, and two other children sadly lost in childbirth.

Seven small children ranging from ages of 3 months to 13-years old, all boarded the train headed backt o Juanita's birthplace Dallas, Texas. Each older siblings held the hands of the little ones as they boarded. In 1963, The family moved and settled in the White Rock Community of Dallas, where the children were reared into adulthood.

Juanita became a teacher's aide to help, nurture and build the lives of Special Needs children at E.D. Walker Middle School, in North Dallas, for ten years. After retiring from D.I.S.D., Juanita began working as a private duty nurse, and was known for her warm heart and affectionate spirit.

Juanita already having accepted The Lord into her heart at an early age, taught her children the importance of Christianity. Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church is where Odell and Juanita reared their children, under the leadership of the Rev. James McGlover in 1963. Juanita was an active member and served faithfully with the Nurses Guild, the McGlover Choral-Aires, the Mission Society, and a member of the Eastern Star. Juanita's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Gray, were pioneers of the Mt. Pisgah Church. In the early 80's, Odell and Juanita joined hands with the Rev. Lee M. Walton, where they formed the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Juanita served diligently in the hospitality ministry for many years. She remained an active and faithful Servant, until her health failed in latter years.

Her sincere nature to support and care for others, made her outstanding to many whom she either met or encountered. Juanita made sure that her doors always remained open to family, friends and to anyone who was in need. Everyone that came to know Juanita, felt welcomed, safe, and loved. This is how she lived and this is who she was.

Juanita is preceded in death by her husband, Odell Payne; 2 children that were lost at child birth; 1 daughter, Kathleen; 1 son, Carl; loving father, John Gray; loving mother, Laura Bell Gray; 2 brothers, Earl Gray and Walter Gray; and 1 grandson, Carlos Payne.

Juanita is survived by her children: Kent (Acquinetta), Dorinda Jones, Eleanor Samuels, Wanda Lee (Marcellus), and Kevin; her loving sister, Mrs. Edith Flewellen; Grandchildren: Shannon Harvey, Crystal Carroll (Corey), LaKeisha Colvin (Steven), Kiki Hall (Clay), Devona Conway, Carla Payne, Bruce Conway, Adrian McClellan, Christopher Jones, Tiffany Lee, Gabriel Clay, Laura Darden (Timothy), Kristen Brodus (Antwan) and Corinthian Phillips; great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and all who will forever cherish and hold to her memories.