Juanita "Red" (Rhodes) Bell

The Life and Legacy of Juanita “Red” Rhodes Bell

Juanita Rhodes Bell was born on November 4, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Juredia Rhodes Smith and Doug Williams. On June 23, 2024, God called her home to eternal rest.

Juanita was a native of Sparta, Georgia where she was a lifelong member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Having accepted Christ at a young age, she attended several churches throughout her walk with God, but always considered Macedonia Baptist Church home. Juanita was a faithful servant of God and was active in the church community until her health declined. Those who knew her knew that she loved the Lord, and led a life dedicated to serving others.

Juanita graduated from Sandersville Area Technical School as a Licensed Practical Nurse. During her nursing career she worked with Dr. Ferrell at Hancock Memorial Hospital and was later employed by Central State Hospital where she worked until she retired.

Juanita was also an entrepreneur. She owned and operated several businesses, including a retail store in downtown Sparta. She was always busy offering her expertise as a wedding decorator, selling Mary Kay or Home Interior, and the list goes on.

Juanita, who was affectionately known by all who knew her as “Redhead Juanita”, “Red” and “Nita”, never met a stranger. She made everyone she met feel like family. She was known to be outspoken, often telling whatever was on her mind without hesitation. Juanita loved people and the close-knit community in which she lived. She was a staunch supporter of Civil Rights and served alongside many community leaders throughout the Civil Rights Movement in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

Juanita’s life has been full of love and laughter. Her life and legacy will be forever cherished by those she loved the most, her family. She leaves behind her five devoted children: Patty White of Belle Glades, FL, Jonathan Smith (Lora) of Loganville, GA, Effie Bundrage (Johnnie) of Monroe, GA, Richard Smith (Isabel) of Greenville, SC and Marcus Smith (Nitasha) of Sparta, GA as well as special daughters-in-law Charlotte Heath Smith of Decatur, GA and Tonya Lundy of Sparta, GA; 18 grandchildren: Tavaress, Tyree, Jontayia, Jacqueline, Johnie, Brittany, Jonathan Jr., Vaquishala, Marcus, Malik (Zoya), Marquis, Lauren, Kemon, Jade, Chiya, Sophia, Na’Jee, Richard Jr.; 24 great-grandchildren; six sisters: Phyllis Sleet, Terry Smith, Beverly Smith, Pamela Smith, Michelle Smith and Christine Pinkston, one brother, Howard Smith Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary ~98 Hopgood St. Warrenton, GA

www.dawsonsmortuary.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Juanita "Red" (Rhodes) Bell, please visit our floral store.