Juanita Jinks Parham was born to the late John Jinks and Maggie Sims Jinks, on September 23, 1926. She was the sixth sibling of this union. She accepted Christ at the age of 9 at Wolf Creek County Line Baptist Church, located in Jenkinsburg, Georgia. Juanita played piano for several churches during her childhood. She graduated from Henry County Trading School in McDonald, GA. Juanita attended Ft. Valley State College, which is now a university, as a music major. This is where she learned to appreciate all types of music, especially close harmony. Later, she came to Cleveland and joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church where she sang with the young adult choir. She later married Mack Parham. To this union, three sons were born: Jeffery, Mack Derwin, and Terry Clifton. Together as a family, they joined St. Paul UMC, under the leadership of Rev. Joe Primes. Juanita would later attend Cleveland Public Schools for practical nursing. In 1971, she became a licensed practical nurse and worked at the Community Hospital of Bedford (Bedford Hospital) for 22 years until retirement.

Juanita enjoyed cooking for friends and family and was famous for her lemon pound cakes and homemade rolls. Juanita wore many hats at the church that she loved. She was a dedicated choir member, membership chair and a leader in the bereavement committee at St. Paul UMC. Juanita was a loving grandmother of 3 grandchildren: Terrence and Blair (parents Terry and Ellen); Ashley Rene (parents Jeffrey and Anita). She was a great grandmother to Logan and Lennox (parents Terrence and Jasmine Parham). Her grandkids and many other friends and family called her Grandmere.

The simplest pleasures in life brought joy to Juanita. She loved baking, listening to the Gaithers on Saturday evening, cooking Sunday meals, watching the deer and rabbits play, and spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and found the beauty in flowers. Juanita had a spunky personality and enjoyed jokes and great conversation with friends. Juanita was a generous, kind- hearted, and loving individual who was quick to let you know when she was “finna” go. She would readily, without hesitation, help those in need and give you great advice. There will always be great cherished memories from her 3 sons, 3 grandchildren, 2 great grand children and her beloved daughter in law, Ellen who affectionately called her “Ma

“Juanita”, “Mom”, “Ma.” “Grandmere”, aka “Nita”, “Nit”, and “Parham” will forever be held close in the lives of her family and friends.