Juanita Shelton

Juanita Shelton, also affectionately known as “Aunt Neety/Neeter,” peacefully departed to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 87. She was one of five children born to the late Mildred and Edward Nichols. A woman of faith and warmth, Juanita was the rock and heart of her family. Her life was marked by simple joys—a contagious smile, a hearty laugh, and a love for her family. Juanita loved shopping and the finer things in life. A fun fact is that her favorite color was blue. She had an infectious smile and a witty sense of humor, coupled with a no-nonsense personality. She enjoyed trips to the beach and traveling to places like California, North Carolina, Las Vegas, and Jamaica. She was a big fan of westerns; *Big Valley* and *Bonanza* were her favorites. Juanita grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Germantown High School. She was married at a young age to James Williams and later to James Shelton, both of whom she loved dearly. Juanita worked and retired from the Philadelphia School District, serving in the administrative department. After retirement, she worked at Fritz Elementary School in the cafeteria and as a greeter at Walmart. Most importantly, Juanita had a strong relationship with the Lord. She was baptized at a young age and was a member of the Corinthian Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she sang in the choir and served as an Usher. Upon moving to Lancaster, she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church. Juanita advocated for education, constantly sacrificing to send all five of her children to Catholic school. She always said, “College is a choice, and the choice is which one you want to go to.” Her love and legacy will live on through her 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Juanita leaves to cherish her memory: Marquita D. Diggs (Gary), Dion L. Williams, Juanita “Tawana” Washington (Alonzo), and her bonus children: Marquita A. Richards (Dontavious), James D. Williams, and Carla Bryant. She was a loving sister to Helen Berry and Sharon Sample. Juanita loved everyone, especially all her nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Juanita was preceded in death by her husbands, James Williams and James Shelton; her sons, James “Jimmy” I. Williams and Rodney D. Williams; and her siblings, Kenneth Nichols, Edward “Sonny” Nichols, and Antoinette Jones. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, followed by the Going Home Service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024.