Biography

Juanita M. Smith, age 88, of Toledo, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012, at Point Place Care and Rehabilitation. She was born May 5, 1923, in Delray, Michigan (now part of the South side of Detroit) to Mr. and Mrs. Albert (Lydia Legg) Fields. She retired from Jeep after 30+ years of service. Juanita was a feisty, independent and big-hearted woman who treated strangers like family. She lived proudly on her own on Noble street of Toledo's North End until the age of 87. She loved to sit outside on her porch and strike up conversations with those walking by. She was an avid and skilled bowler. She was an amazing seamstress and cook; making wedding, birthday, and special event cakes. She often donated her cakes for raffles at local churches. She will be truly missed by many, friend and family alike. The family is grateful to Point Place Care and Rehabilitation Center for making her last days special and treating her like one of their own.

Survived by her children, Kenneth A. (Joni) Smith of GA, Elizabeth Geniac of Toledo, and Patricia Reiter of Sylvania; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michelle Reiter, Jennifer and Jason Geniac, Mimi, Chris, Kristie, Tara, Heidi, Katie, Aaron, and Nathan Smith; great-grandchildren, Mailena, Keyana, Ronniah, Keenan, Lucas, and Luke; great-great-granddaughter, Iyonna, and nephew, Audie Whidden. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Opal Whidden and Lola Fields, and brother, Clarence Fields.

Services will be conducted on Tuesday at 1130 a.m. at Fairgreen Presbyterian Church (3220 W. Laskey Rd.). Burial, Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.