Juanita Wray (Sweet) King

Juanita Wray King, 88, died Saturday, April 22, 2023, at her home in East Jordan.

  She was born on February 8, 1935, in Chestonia, Michigan, the daughter of Elmer “Red” and Mary Lila (Lively) Sweet.

  Juanita married Donald King on November 10, 1951, in Grand Rapids.

  Early in her life, she had worked at Quarters, now known as IT&T in East Jordan and Harbor Spring.  Most of her life she picked fruits and vegetables for local farms.  Through out her life she had multiple jobs waitressing and babysitting.    

  She loved spending time with family, her cats, flower gardening and taking care of her yard.

  Juanita had a big heart and was known for taking in strays of both animals and humans.

  She is  survived by four children, Barbara Brooks of East Jordan, David (Maria) King of Wyoming, Donna (Lee) Erwin of Tennessee and Donald James King, Jr. of East Jordan; numerous grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; numerous great great grandchildren; and numerous great great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Donald King, Sr. on October 3, 1997; sons, Jessie “Jimmy” King on September 26, 2018 and Robert “Bobby” King on December 17, 2021; five great grandchildren, including the three Juanita help cared for Skylar Moore, Taishaann Moore and Shayne Simmons; her parents; one brother, Jack; and two sisters, Leah and Jessie.

  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at the Lighthouse Missionary Church, East Jordan, Michigan.  Rev. Bart Adams will officiate with interment at Morris Cemetery, Jordan Township, Antrim County, Michigan.

  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan.  The family requested memorial contributions be directed to the King family to aid in the funeral expenses.

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