Juanita Smith

Juanita “Nita” Smith, 97, of Burlington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026. She was born on December 15, 1928, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Juanita’s life was deeply rooted in her faith, her family, and the many friends she welcomed as family along the way. She lived with a servant’s heart and a quiet strength that touched everyone she met. For nine years, Juanita lovingly taught preschool at Sunshine Korner at Greenview Baptist Church, where she and her late husband, A.T., were devoted members for more than 50 years.

Juanita took great pride in her home, which was always open and inviting. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her life was guided by her faith in God and a steadfast commitment to doing right by others, always with an open heart and never expecting anything in return.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Snyder and Mary “Nola” Clarkston; her stepmother, Nellie Bradley; eight of her ten siblings; three grandchildren; and her beloved husband of many years, A.T. Smith.

Juanita is survived by her siblings, David Snyder and Ruth Mitchell; her three children, Diana Spillman, Thomas (Christine) Smith, and Debbie (Donnie) Parnell; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her love and legacy forward.

Services will be held at Linnemann Funeral Home in Burlington, Kentucky, on Friday, January 23, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Juanita will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Erlanger, Kentucky. Friends and family are invited to gather at Linnemann Event Center following the services to share a meal, memories, and celebrate a life well lived. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Galilean Childrens Home