- Date Of Birth: October 9, 1918
- Date Of Death: November 22, 2012
- State: Alabama
On October 9, 1918, Juanita Delores Hall, was born to the late Henry and Hattie (Frazier) Hall in Montgomery, Alabama. She was the first of eight children, born to this union. As a youth, Juanita accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was nurtured and developed at Ebenezer AME Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama. She later joined First Missionary Baptist in Decatur, AL.
Juanita was born during a time in this country when education for African Americans was difficult to obtain. She had to attend a private school, called Montgomery’s Industrial School for Girls. Rosa Parks also attended this school. She later graduated from Parker High School, in Birmingham, Alabama as planned. Juanita received the Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama State Teachers College in Montgomery, Alabama. Upon graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she worked for The United States Navy. Shortly after her assignment, October 20, 1943, she was promoted as an inspector of naval materials. After brief years of service to the Navy, she returned to Montgomery, where she resumed her studies at Alabama State Teachers College. Juanita received the Masters of Arts Degree in Education. Subsequent to her graduation, she traveled abroad to Germany and other countries.
While in college, Juanita met and married Ira L. Turner. They moved to Decatur, Alabama. Here, she became part of his family, met many friends, associates and lived a very prosperous and successful life.
Among her many accomplishments, Juanita taught in Decatur’s Public Schools for 38 years. Ten of these years, she served as the librarian. She had an insatiable desire for reading and always stressed its importance to our daily lives.
In 2005, Juanita was recognized by the city of Decatur for her efforts. This honor was accomplished by naming the Community Center after her and Mr. Surles – “Turner Surles Community Center.” She continued her community improvement projects in the city even during her long illness.
She leaves those of us who will always admire, love and cherish her memory: three sisters, Mrs. Carriel (Charles) Bruce, Montgomery, AL; Janice H. Anderson (Wm. G), Centreville, IL; Mrs. Bettie (Taylor) Sheppard, Ft. Washington, MD; one brother, Elder H. L. (Pearl) Hall, Gastonia, NC; six nieces, twelve nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
