Juanita Stephenson

What’s in a name? I wonder if Aurola and Henry Robinson considered this question when they were naming their baby girl, Juanita.

Juanita Stephenson was born to the late Henry and Aurola Robinson on November 8, 1929. She grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas during the Great Depression. She was the youngest of 9 children. She and her family had strong Christian values and despite hard times, God was gracious to her family and sustained them.

At the young age of 17, Juanita dropped out of high school, got married to Ollie White and set out on a journey, many young Black Americans living in the South embarked on: to go North in search of a better and fairer way of life. Together they settled into their married life in South Bend, IN. Soon, their busy lives were filled with work, social life and a growing family. It was at this time that Juanita realized there was a void in her life and she began receiving Bible studies and attending the Berean SDA church where she eventually became a member.

God blessed Juanita and Ollie with 4 delightful children. During the early years of her children’s lives, Juanita realized that in order to achieve the goals that she had set for herself and her family, she would have to return to school and obtain her high school diploma. She began attending Central High’s night school program and soon completed the requirements for her high school diploma. She went on to attend Bethel College where she received her undergraduate degree in education. Later, she attended Indiana University of South Bend and received her masters in education. God was gracious to her.

Christian education for Ollie and Juanita’s children became a paramount goal that they both shared and they agreed to enroll them in Berean SDA church school. In spite of the struggles of unemployment, working nights at the hospital and attending school during the day, God was gracious to Juanita and her family and even in the face of financial struggles, hectic schedules and worries, each of her children had the opportunity to receive a Christian education.

It was during this time that Ollie White died suddenly and without warning. Juanita was left alone to comfort and provide for her children. God was gracious to her and soon she was introduced by her pastor to one of his former members that attended the Milwaukee Sharon SDA church. Juanita and Curley Stephenson were attracted to each other right away and soon began a journey of their own that would last 33 years, well into the senior years of their lives. Together, they filled their days working to help others by volunteering time in their community and church.

So, what is in a name? I wonder did Aurola and Henry Robinson know that their baby girl’s name, Juanita, meant “God has been gracious”?

Juanita Stephenson, 90, passed away peacefully at her home during the very early hours of January 24, 2020. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In addition to her parents and her husbands, Ollie B. White and Curly J. Stephenson, Juanita was preceded in death by eight siblings: Floyd Robinson, Veltan Robinson, Odie Robinson, Rebecca Benton, Gill Robinson, Coolidge Robinson, Ruthell Bonds and Eloise Mitchell.

Left to cherish Juanita's memory are her children: Raymond White of Niles, MI, Marilyn Fouche of South Bend, IN, Ronnie (Barbara) White of South Bend, IN and Sharon (Terry) James of South Bend, IN; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as a host of loving family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held for Juanita Stephenson at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at South Bend First Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1936 E. Altgeld St., South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. The interment will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Highland Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Homes - West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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