Juanita G. Rucker, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, peacefully transitioned on October 24, 2025, at the Garden of Fairfax.  She was 92 years of age. 

 Juanita was born February 3, 1933, in Buffalo, New York.  After her mother’s passing, she was raised in Anderson, South Carolina by her aunt and uncle, Victoria and Thomas Greene, Sr.  Her “siblings” were Thomas Greene, Jr., better known as “June” (deceased), and Annie Bell.

 She was baptized at Welfare Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina.  Juanita attended and graduated from West Side High School.  Shortly thereafter, Juanita married Benjamin F. Rucker and from that union three children were born:   Bonnie, Louis Jerome and Beverly. 

 The couple migrated to Cleveland, Ohio with other family members. Juanita was a dedicated and active member of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church.  She enjoyed singing in the choir and served on several ministries/committees.  On September 22, 2024, Sister Juanita received her flowers for being one of the oldest choir members of the Mt Nebo Baptist Church where her faith remained steadfast throughout her life.

 Juanita had a strong work ethic and a versatile career over the years. She worked at Huron Road Hospital in housekeeping, and the Cuyahoga County Department of Family and Children Services as an Intake Worker.  The final stop on Juanita’s career journey, she worked diligently and retired from Progressive Insurance where she was a recorder.  Juanita’s truly exemplified the spiritual gift of helps – she was always willing to lend a helping hand.  Even after retiring she continued to help others…being a companion for Mama Lucille, Helen Clark, and her sister-in-law, Denotra Prewitt Rucker.  She volunteered at the Golden Age Center working with the seniors!  Juanita was a babysitter for the grandchildren, Felicia Myers, Najah Adams and Chanel Worthen whom she called “wonderful young ladies.”

 As the roles reversed, Juanita had two devoted companions for herself – Gilda Jones and Gloria Sandson, along with dear family friends Linda Herron, Tracey Willingham and Katie Lipscomb. 

And most of all, her beloved Mt Nebo church family, neighbors, Bruce and Marian Mitchell, and dear friends Rosalind Hampton, Renee Clark-Amison, Carla Calhoon, and Gwen Malone.

 Juanita lived a full and joyful life. She found pleasure in completing word puzzles, laughing, talking with friends, listening to Jazz and Country Blues – especially Muddy Waters!  Traveling to South Carolina with Uncle Frank Rucker…meeting with classmates at the West Side High Class Reunions – “Remembering the Maroon and Gray.”

 Juanita’s mother, the aunt and uncle who raised Juanita, Victoria and Thomas Green, Sr., her Greene “siblings,” Thomas Greene, Jr. (“June”), Juanita’s Rucker siblings, Louis Jerome (Martha) and Beverly Brand, have all preceded her in death. 

 Sister Juanita leaves to celebrate her life: her devoted daughter, Bonnie; sisters-in-law Evelyn Rucker, Catherine Rucker Robinson, and one brother-in-law, Isaiah Rucker; one son-in-law, Frank Brand and one daughter-in-law, Martha Rucker; a devoted grandson, William Paul, Jr., (Tanya); dear grandchildren:, Antoine, Ebony Eaton (Kurtis), Brittany Ward (Michael), Devyn Anuszkierwicz (Ian) and Dr. Louis Graham Rucker; cherished great-grandchildren:  Kaden, Jordan, Khayan, Zien, Riely, Kennedy, Michael Ward, Jr., Anastasia, Rony, Kianah and Arianah; cousins:  Sara Lucas, Douglas, and Butch Williford, and one Godson, Allen Smith, along with a large extended family and a special childhood friend, Zetella Cunningham.

 Juanita Rucker’s presence illuminated every space. Her kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and loved her. Her family finds peace knowing she has earned her eternal rest and is reunited with loved ones gone on before her.

 Lovingly submitted,

The Family